Ghana Government Pours GH¢443m into Free Primary Health Care Initiativ

The government has released GH¢443 million to retool selected facilities to implement the Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) programme. This significant investment is aimed at improving access to quality and affordable healthcare for Ghanaians.

Funding Directly to District Health Facilities

According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, about GH¢36 million of the amount was released to 107 district health facilities nationwide to support the implementation of the FPHC programme. This direct payment model is intended to reduce delays and guarantee that resources are available at the point of care for Ghanaians.

Dr Bampoe further revealed that out of the amount, the Upper East Region received about GH¢4.2 million for 14 district health facilities. The funds were paid directly to the facilities as part of efforts to improve efficiency and reduce delays. The largest allocations in the region went to the Bawku West District Health Directorate, which received GH¢514,418.71, and the Bongo District Health Directorate also received GH¢415,393.79.

Cashless Revenue Collection System and OTAC System

The NHIA has also introduced a cashless revenue collection system across the NHIA district offices nationwide. Under this system, members would no longer pay cash at district offices for registration and renewal of their NHIS membership. Dr Bampoe explained that the reform was intended to strengthen accountability, reduce the risks associated with cash handling, and provide a clear audit trail for transactions.

The Authority has also introduced a One-Time Authentication Code (OTAC) system as part of efforts to validate claims and ensure value for money. Under the system, NHIS members who visited health facilities would be required to generate an OTAC on a mobile phone before they receive care. This confirms that the member actually attended the facility and received service.

Government's Commitment to Strengthening Healthcare System

The various interventions demonstrated the government's commitment to strengthening Ghana's healthcare system and expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare. Dr Bampoe assured Ghanaians of the Authority's continued commitment to strengthening the NHIS and supporting the government's efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

The FPHC programme is part of the government's broader effort to strengthen preventive healthcare and improve access to essential health services at the community and primary-care level. The success of this initiative will have a significant impact on the lives of Ghanaians, particularly those in rural areas who often struggle to access quality healthcare.

The NHIA has been working tirelessly to ensure that the FPHC programme is implemented effectively. With the release of the GH¢443 million, the Authority is one step closer to achieving its goal of providing quality and affordable healthcare to all Ghanaians. As the programme continues to roll out, it will be interesting to see the impact it has on the healthcare system and the lives of the people it serves.

Source: JOY