President John Dramani Mahama has announced sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system, including the rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, the recruitment of 16,000 nurses, expansion of specialised medical facilities, and the reactivation of major infrastructure projects during the first day of his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Volta Region.
Addressing a durbar at the Ho Municipal Hospital, the President said the reforms form part of government’s broader agenda to achieve Universal Health Coverage, ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to affordable and quality healthcare.
“Health is our most precious possession. Nothing you own is more valuable than your health,” President Mahama stated.
16,000 Nurses to Be Recruited
To strengthen the country’s health workforce, President Mahama announced that government has granted financial clearance for the recruitment of 16,000 nurses in two phases.
According to him, 8,000 nurses will be recruited initially, followed by another 8,000, with priority postings to underserved communities to improve healthcare delivery where it is needed most.
“Many of those being recruited will be sent to underserved areas where healthcare needs are greatest.”
Free Primary Healthcare for All
The President explained that the Free Primary Healthcare Programme was introduced after government identified that nearly 12 million Ghanaians remained outside the National Health Insurance Scheme, limiting their access to essential healthcare services.
Under the programme, patients accessing services at CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics will receive primary healthcare free of charge.
“When you visit these facilities, you are not supposed to pay even one cedi for primary healthcare services.”
He added that the initiative places strong emphasis on preventive healthcare, with health professionals expected to conduct regular community outreach, education and health screening exercises.
Investment in Specialised Healthcare
President Mahama also announced significant investments in specialised healthcare infrastructure across the country.
He disclosed that government has recently commissioned a modern catheterisation laboratory at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and is constructing new cardiothoracic centres at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Plans are also underway to establish additional cardiac centres in Ho and Takoradi, equipped with modern catheterisation laboratories for diagnosing and treating heart diseases.
Ho Teaching Hospital Upgrade Revived
The President further announced the reactivation of a previously delayed Korean-supported financing facility to modernise Ho Teaching Hospital.
He explained that the project had stalled due to debt restructuring challenges but has now been revived to upgrade the hospital’s infrastructure and strengthen its role as a teaching hospital.
“We are reactivating that facility to upgrade the infrastructure at Ho Teaching Hospital and make it worthy of its status as a teaching hospital.”
Mahama Cares to Support Chronic Disease Treatment
President Mahama highlighted the role of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) in supporting patients suffering from costly non-communicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and kidney failure requiring dialysis.
Eligible patients will be able to apply through an online portal, after which government will fund their diagnosis and treatment at designated health facilities.
The initiative will also support the expansion of dialysis centres and provide modern equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases nationwide.
Call for Compassionate Healthcare
The President urged nurses and other health professionals to emulate the compassion and dedication of Florence Nightingale by treating every patient with dignity, empathy and professionalism.
He noted that even simple words of encouragement could significantly improve patients’ recovery and appealed to healthcare workers to remain committed despite the challenges of the profession.
President Mahama concluded that the combined implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme, and Mahama Cares represents a transformative approach to healthcare delivery that will move Ghana closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage and ensuring that every citizen has access to quality healthcare services.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
