The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the Savannah Region has intensified public education on the government’s Free Primary Health care initiative.
Mr Mahama Sakara, Operations Manager of the Savannah Regional NHIS, explained that the policy, launched by President John Dramani Mahama on April 15, 2026, focuses on early detection of health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and prostate diseases.
According to him, residents can visit health centres, CHPS compounds and district hospitals with either their Ghana Card or NHIS card to access free screening services. He stressed that the initiative is aimed at reducing needless deaths through preventive healthcare.
Mr. Sakara also urged the public to take advantage of the ongoing free NHIS registration and renewal exercise before May 31. He noted that citizens can renew their cards free of charge by dialing *929#.
Students, apprentices, teachers, ambulance service personnel, NHIS officials and other community members joined the float to support the awareness campaign in Sawla.
He called on all residents in the Savannah Region to embrace the programme and support efforts to make Ghana a healthier nation.
Background.
President John Dramani Mahama officially launched Ghana’s Free Primary Health Care(PHC) policy, on April 15, describing it as a major step toward achieving universal health coverage and shifting the country’s focus from curative to preventive healthcare.
The launch took place at the Shia Osudoku District Hospital, a facility opened during his first term in office.
The President noted that the new policy is designed to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by prioritising early detection, routine screening, and lifestyle education to tackle the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Under the initiative, Ghanaians will have access to free screening and basic treatment services at CHPS compounds, health centres, polyclinics, and newly established “health kiosks” in underserved communities.
Services will include blood pressure and blood sugar checks, body mass index (BMI) assessments, temperature screening, breast cancer checks, and provision of basic medications for conditions such as malaria, cholera, and respiratory infections.
At the primary care level, patients will not be required to present an NHIS card but must provide a Ghanacard or valid identification to confirm residency.
More complex cases will be referred to district hospitals under the NHIS, while advanced conditions such as kidney failure requiring dialysis will be covered by the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as “Mahama Cares.”
Source: yagbonradioonline/Do- Ara Frank.
