The meeting, described by the Minister as a listening exercise, gathered technical input from frontline health professionals to refine the policy ahead of submission to Cabinet and Parliament.

The initiative is a major commitment in the government’s 2024 manifesto and is aligned with the Health Sector Medium-Term Development Plan for 2025 to 2029.

Presenting the technical framework, the Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Belinda Afriyie Nimako, said the policy will build on existing primary healthcare structures, including CHPS compounds, health centres and the National Health Insurance Scheme, while introducing reforms to expand access and strengthen preventive care.

She explained that ‘‘the programme will be funded through a blended payment system, combining fee-for-service and population-based payments, with equity and performance adjustments to support underserved communities’’.

Under the policy, primary healthcare services will be free at the point of use, with no requirement for NHIS registration. Services will include preventive and promotive care, basic treatment, essential medicines, diagnostics, maternal and child health services, mental health care and emergency stabilization.

The Ministry of Health says further stakeholder consultations and technical work will continue ahead of the planned March rollout.

Source: 3news.com