Free Primary Healthcare to support NHIS, not replace it — President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that the proposed free primary healthcare policy is designed to support the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), not to take its place.

He explained that the initiative will work alongside the NHIS to improve access to basic healthcare services across the country.

He made the remarks at the official launch of the free primary healthcare programme held on Wednesday April, 15th 2026 at the Shai Osudoku District Hospital in Dodowa.

According to him, the introduction of free primary healthcare does not mean Ghanaians should stop registering for the NHIS.

He urged citizens to continue obtaining their NHIS cards, stressing that the scheme remains important for healthcare delivery beyond the primary level.

He further explained that under the new arrangement, patients seeking care at polyclinics, health centres, CHPS compounds, and health kiosks will not be required to present an NHIS card at the point of examination and treatment.

Instead, individuals will only need to show a Ghana Card or any valid form of identification to prove they are Ghanaians and residents within the community to access services.

He noted that the policy aims to remove barriers to basic healthcare and ensure that more people can receive treatment at the primary level without difficulty.

By: Jacob Aggrey