While Ghana has made steady progress in improving its doctor-to-patient ratio, the current level—around 1:7,000 to 1:8,000—remains far below international recommendations. Addressing this gap will require sustained investment in medical education, improved working conditions, and a more equitable distribution of healthcare professionals across the country.
The newly launched Primary Health Care Policy aims to address healthcare challenges at the grassroots level, from Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds to teaching hospitals. The policy is designed to provide a structured framework for measuring, managing, and improving primary healthcare delivery nationwide.
According to government officials, the policy seeks to eliminate key bottlenecks related to cost, infrastructure, and human resources across all levels of healthcare. It is expected to make essential healthcare services more accessible and affordable to citizens.
Hon. Charles Kwesi Agbeve, Member of Parliament for Agotime-Ziope and a member of the Parliamentary Health Committee, shared these insights during an interview on Adekyee Mu Nsem, a morning program on Ahotor 92.3 FM in Accra, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu.
He explained that the policy adopts a holistic approach to addressing longstanding gaps in the health sector, particularly in basic healthcare services that have been neglected for years. According to him, many Ghanaians have struggled to access affordable care, and the new policy is designed to change that.
He further noted that the policy envisions free primary healthcare services, enabling citizens to access treatment at all levels without financial barriers, ultimately advancing the goal of “health for all” in Ghana.
Nationwide Home-Based Screening Initiative
In a related development, the government is set to roll out a nationwide home-based health screening programme as part of a broader effort to strengthen primary healthcare and address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh announced that the initiative will bring healthcare directly to households across the country. This move reflects a renewed focus on preventive care, especially in response to rising deaths linked to chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and stroke.
The Minister indicated that access to the programme will be simple and inclusive. Any valid national identification—such as a driver’s license, Ghana Card, passport, or National Health Insurance card—will allow individuals to benefit from the service.
He emphasized that while services will be free at the point of delivery, the most transformative aspect of the initiative is its outreach model. Healthcare professionals will visit homes to conduct basic screenings, ensuring early detection of diseases.
Health authorities have long warned about the increasing prevalence of NCDs in Ghana, many of which remain undetected until complications arise. The Minister highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that approximately 42% to 45% of deaths in Ghana are linked to non-communicable diseases.
He stressed the importance of shifting from a reactive to a preventive healthcare system by identifying conditions early and preventing complications.
The initiative will be supported by broader healthcare reforms, including complementary programmes such as Mahama Cares, which will provide support for advanced cases. This approach is intended to create a continuum of care—from early detection and prevention to treatment and management of complex conditions.
According to the Minister, the integration of free primary healthcare and supportive intervention programmes will ensure a more comprehensive and effective healthcare system for all Ghanaians.
Conclusion
Ghana’s renewed focus on primary healthcare marks a significant step toward improving access and outcomes in the health sector. While challenges such as the low doctor-to-patient ratio persist, policies aimed at prevention, accessibility, and system-wide reform offer a promising path toward achieving universal healthcare coverage.