The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has clarified that while Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare policy will expand access to basic services, it does not replace the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which remains crucial for more advanced medical care.

Addressing the Government Accountability Series on Monday, April 13 at the Jubilee House, the Minister explained that the new policy covers only primary healthcare and has defined boundaries.

He stressed that once patients are referred beyond the primary level—such as to district, regional, or teaching hospitals—they will need valid NHIS coverage to receive care.

“Free primary healthcare has a limit. Beyond that, the National Health Insurance Scheme becomes necessary,” he explained.

Mr Akandoh added that the government intends to use the rollout of the policy to boost NHIS enrolment nationwide, ensuring more citizens are covered for specialised and higher-level treatment.

He described NHIS as still “very important” in the healthcare system, particularly for complex and advanced medical services not included in the free primary package.

According to him, the policy marks a major shift toward preventive healthcare, while also strengthening the country’s referral system and encouraging wider insurance coverage.