Free Primary Healthcare set to benefit 790,000 people in Upper West Region

The implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare Policy is expected to improve access to essential healthcare services for about 790,000 people in the Upper West Region.

The figure represents approximately 78 percent of the region’s population, with 10 of the 11 districts included in the first phase of the policy.

“Advancing Universal Health Coverage through the Free Primary Healthcare Policy” was the theme for the 2026 Half-Year Health Sector Performance Review Meeting and Regional Launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Policy.

Delivering his address at the meeting, the Upper West Regional Health Director Dr. Josephat Ana-Imwine Nyuzaghl said the region had undertaken several preparatory activities to ensure a smooth implementation of the policy.

He said these include training district health management teams, hospital managers and frontline health workers on the policy guidelines, with step-down training conducted across the districts.

Also speaking at the meeting, Isaac Kob of the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) said the policy would help remove financial barriers that prevent people from seeking timely healthcare.

According to him, increased access to primary healthcare would encourage early diagnosis and treatment, helping to prevent illnesses from becoming severe while reducing pressure on secondary and tertiary health facilities.

Mr. Kob further noted that the policy would strengthen preventive healthcare through vaccination, screening and health education.

He said improved access to these services would empower individuals and communities to adopt healthier lifestyles and take greater responsibility for their wellbeing.