The Jomoro Municipal Assembly in the Western Region has launched the Free Primary Healthcare programme.
The aim is to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare for residents across the municipality.
It was under the theme: “Removing Financial Barrier Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage”.
The initiative is expected to remove financial barriers that prevent some residents, particularly those in underserved communities, from seeking timely medical attention.
The launch brought together health officials, local government authorities, community leaders and residents, who welcomed the programme as an important step towards improving the health and wellbeing of people in the municipality.
Speaking at the event, Betty B. Sam, who is a member of the Western Regional Health Committee, commended the Jomoro Municipal Assembly for introducing the initiative.
She said providing accessible healthcare at the primary level is essential to ensuring that residents could receive early treatment and prevent minor health conditions from developing into serious illnesses.
Madam Sam urged residents to take advantage of the programme and make healthcare a priority, while encouraging health workers to continue providing quality and respectful services to beneficiaries.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Jomoro, Boadi Benedict, also expressed the Assembly’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the municipality.
According to him, the initiative forms part of efforts by the Assembly to ensure that residents, irrespective of their financial circumstances, have access to basic healthcare services.
He said the Assembly would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the programme and ensure that it achieves its intended purpose.
The MCE further called on residents to support the initiative by making proper use of the services and cooperating with health authorities.
The event was chaired by Mr. Sylvester Daddie, a former District Chief Executive of the Jomoro Assembly.
In his remarks, he described the launch as a significant milestone for the municipality and praised the Assembly and health authorities for prioritising the welfare of residents.
He encouraged traditional leaders, community members and other stakeholders to support the programme to ensure its sustainability.
The Jomoro Municipal Health Director, Gabriel Yengliereh, highlighted the importance of primary healthcare in disease prevention, early detection and treatment.
He explained that the programme would help bring essential healthcare services closer to the people and encourage residents to seek medical attention before their conditions become severe.
Mr. Yengliereh also called on health workers and community members to work together to make the initiative successful.
The launch was attended by stakeholders and residents from communities within the Jomoro Municipality.
The Free Primary Healthcare programme is expected to contribute to improved access to healthcare, early treatment of diseases and better health outcomes for residents, particularly those who face difficulties in paying for basic medical services.
The Jomoro Municipal Assembly said it remains committed to working with health authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve the quality of life of people in the municipality.
The Member of Parliament, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, who is also the Deputy Transport Minister, was represented by her personal assistant, Godwin Alueke and the Jomoro National Democratic Congress (NDC) Constituency Youth organizer, Ernest Anaman.
By Timothy Antwi-Otoo
