Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced a major expansion of Ghana’s primary healthcare system with the commissioning of a container-based medical kiosk at Social Welfare in Madina, aimed at bringing essential health services closer to underserved communities.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Health Minister declared that Ghanaians should no longer be denied access to basic healthcare because of financial challenges, insisting that government is committed to funding primary healthcare delivery across the country.
The newly commissioned facility was officially handed over to Samuel Kaba Akoriyea and forms part of the government’s broader Free Primary Healthcare programme currently being rolled out nationwide.
Hon. Akandoh explained that the intervention seeks to transform Ghana’s healthcare system from one largely focused on treatment to a more preventive and community-centered model. He said the medical kiosks are strategically designed for crowded urban communities, markets and transport terminals where access to healthcare remains limited.
According to the Minister, the modern facility is equipped with consulting rooms, a pharmacy, telemedicine systems, solar-powered electricity, borehole water supply and sanitation facilities to ensure continuous healthcare delivery.
He disclosed that 150 districts have been selected for the first phase of the programme out of Ghana’s 261 districts, with plans to gradually expand coverage nationwide.
The Health Minister stated that services under the programme will include treatment for common illnesses such as malaria and respiratory infections, as well as preventive healthcare interventions including blood pressure monitoring, diabetes screening and public health education.
Despite the introduction of free primary healthcare services, Hon. Akandoh urged citizens to continue subscribing to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), stressing that the scheme remains essential for referrals and specialized medical care beyond the primary level.
He further appealed to health workers, local assemblies and community leaders to support the initiative and ensure the proper maintenance of the facilities to guarantee long-term benefits for residents.
