Traditional leaders, health professionals, local government officials and other stakeholders in the Western North Region have pledged their support for the successful implementation of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Policy.
The stakeholders’ engagement, organized by the Western North Regional Health Directorate in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Regional Directorate and the Office of the Regional Minister, was held at the Regional Coordinating Council Conference Hall in Sefwi Wiawso on June 30.
Addressing participants, the Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, urged all stakeholders to support the implementation of the policy by promoting public education and encouraging residents to enroll.
He described the initiative as a major step toward improving access to quality primary healthcare while reducing the financial burden on citizens.
Kyidomhene of the Wiawso Traditional Area, Nana Elluo Payin III, also appealed to traditional leaders and the clergy to work together to ensure the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the programme.
The Western North Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Paulina Clara Appiah, announced that although all nine districts in the region will eventually benefit from the policy, seven districts have been selected for the first phase of implementation.
Chairman of the Regional Health Committee, Dr. Sumaila Issah, explained that the initiative will establish health posts focused on disease prevention and health promotion.
He called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to take ownership of the facilities to ensure their effective operation and long-term sustainability.
The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure the smooth rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare Policy and expand access to essential healthcare services across the Western North Region.
By Mathew Ahiaveh
