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The Ghana Health Service in Pusiga District of the Upper East Region, has launched a Free Primary Health Care Policy aimed at removing cost as a barrier to accessing essential health services.
The launch, held in Pusiga on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, was attended by chiefs, queen mothers, school children, parents,Health Service workers, and residents of the district.
Speaking at the ceremony, Pusiga District Health Director Cosmos A. Minyila described the policy as a significant milestone in efforts to ensure universal access to health care.
According to him, the policy marks a significant milestone in their effort to ensure that every individual, every family, and every community has access to essential health care services. It represents a major step towards improving the health and well-being of residents of Pusiga and its environs.
For his part, financial constraints have historically forced many residents to delay seeking care. Some have waited until illnesses become severe before visiting a health facility. Others have relied on self-medication or traditional medicines because they could not afford the cost of care.
The District Chief Executive for Pusiga Aguuri Haruna Abdul-Rahim said the policy marks the beginning of a new chapter of how they care for the people Pusiga and Ghana as a major step toward universal health coverage.
According to him, the policy marks a significant milestone in our nation’s journey towards achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of their social or economic status.
However, a representative of the Pusiga Chief, Aguuri Ayiaba, said traditional authorities are not happy with how patients are treated at health facilities in the district.
He emphasized that, when a patient gets sick and goes to the health facility, the way health workers treat them is not good. He also alleged that some health workers operate small hospitals in their rooms in the rural areas and refer patients to private health facilities when the cases become complicated.
The Free Primary Health Care Policy covers all public health facilities in Pusiga District and takes immediate effect.
Story by Efua Nessa