"Gov't has procured GH¢500 Million worth of equipment to support free primary healthcare policy" - Health Minister

Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has disclosed that government is distributing medical equipment worth approximately GH¢500 million across the country to support the implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme.

Speaking on a Volta Region-based radio station on Friday, the Minister said the government has completed the policy design and launch stages and is now focused on full-scale implementation, which requires adequate logistics and equipment to enable health workers deliver quality services.

According to Mr. Akandoh, the distribution forms part of the first phase of a nationwide effort to improve healthcare delivery, especially in underserved communities.

"We have announced the policy and launched it. Now we are at the implementation stage. Once a policy is launched, you must provide the necessary tools for health workers to successfully implement it," he stated.

The Health Minister explained that the equipment package includes essential healthcare tools such as glucometers, blood pressure monitoring devices, X-ray machines and other medical equipment needed at health facilities.

He noted that the intervention has become necessary due to the inadequate state of medical equipment in many health facilities across the country.

Beyond the medical equipment, Mr. Akandoh revealed that government is also distributing tricycles and motorbikes to support healthcare workers under the programme.

He clarified that the tricycles are not intended to function as ambulances, contrary to claims circulating on social media.

"These tricycles are meant to facilitate the movement of health workers from one community to another to perform their duties under the Free Primary Healthcare Programme. They are not ambulances," he emphasized.

The Minister further disclosed that the programme is currently being rolled out in 150 districts nationwide, with priority given to the most deprived district in each region.

He assured that although implementation is beginning with selected districts, government's long-term plan is to extend the benefits of the programme to every district in the country.

Mr. Akandoh expressed confidence that the provision of the equipment and logistics will significantly strengthen primary healthcare services and improve access to quality healthcare for Ghanaians, particularly those living in rural and hard-to-reach communities.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith