The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has underscored the need for collective action and stakeholder collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Policy.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Western Regional launch of the policy in Takoradi, Mr. Nelson stressed that government efforts alone would not be sufficient to achieve the policy’s objectives.
According to him, the active involvement of healthcare professionals, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), traditional authorities, development partners, civil society organisations, and community leaders will be critical to the policy’s success.
“The government cannot achieve these objectives alone. We need the support and commitment of all stakeholders to ensure that quality primary healthcare services become accessible to every Ghanaian, regardless of where they live,” he stated.
Mr. Nelson noted that ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure at both the district and community levels would significantly improve access to healthcare services and enhance health outcomes across the region.
He described the Free Primary Healthcare Policy as a transformative intervention aimed at reducing barriers to healthcare access and improving the well-being of citizens.
The Minister further assured the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and other stakeholders of the unwavering support of the Western Regional Coordinating Council in rolling out the policy successfully across the region.
“The Western Regional Coordinating Council remains committed to supporting this initiative. We will continue to work closely with all partners to ensure that the policy achieves its intended impact in our communities,” he added.
At the launch, the District Director of Health Services for Ellembelle, Dr. Augustine Kwesi Amoako, provided stakeholders with an overview of the policy framework and its implementation strategy.
Dr. Amoako explained that the initiative is designed to strengthen primary healthcare delivery by improving access to essential health services, particularly for vulnerable populations and residents in underserved communities.
“This policy seeks to strengthen our healthcare delivery system and ensure that every Ghanaian has access to essential primary healthcare services without financial hardship,” he said.
He noted that the successful implementation of the policy would contribute significantly to the country’s efforts towards achieving universal health coverage and improving healthcare outcomes nationwide.
The Free Primary Healthcare Policy forms part of the government’s broader strategy to expand healthcare access, strengthen preventive healthcare services, and improve the overall quality of care available to Ghanaians.
