Free Primary Healthcare to begin with 150 districts – Health Minister

The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that the government will roll out its flagship free primary healthcare policy in phases between 2026 and 2028.

According to him, the policy, which will officially be launched on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, will begin with 150 districts out of the 273 across the country.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, April 13, 2026, Akandoh said the phased approach is intended to ensure effective implementation while maintaining quality standards.

“I want to assure you that the policy is for the nation. What we will do is to implement it in phases between 2026 and 2028. We will begin in 150 selected districts, particularly those that are underserved, and then expand after 2028,” he said.

According to him, the programme will prioritise regions and communities with limited access to healthcare services before gradually extending nationwide coverage.

“It is going to be phased out. In every region, we will look at the underserved community. At the end of the day, we will get the whole country covered,” he added.

Akandoh explained that the gradual rollout will allow authorities to refine the policy based on real-time experience.

“This will allow us to learn, adjust, and ensure that quality is maintained. We are ready for implementation,” he said.

The phased strategy is part of broader government efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and ensure equitable access across the country.