The North East Region has launched the Free Primary Healthcare Policy aimed at improving access to essential healthcare services and reducing financial barriers to care.

Speaking at the launch, North East Regional Minister Ibrahim Tia described the policy as a major government intervention designed to ensure that all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, can access quality healthcare regardless of their financial circumstances or location.

The North East Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Godfred Kobina Sarpong, said the policy represents an important step toward achieving universal health coverage by 2030. He noted that challenges such as low National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage, inadequate health infrastructure, poor road networks and shortages of health workers continue to affect healthcare delivery in the region.

Presentations by the Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Abdul Rauf Sulemana, and the Deputy Director of Clinical Care, Mr Idrisu Mohammed, outlined the policy’s implementation and monitoring framework, as well as a complementary initiative that supports the treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases.

Stakeholders were informed that preventive and promotive services, including health screening, immunisation and health education, will be provided free of charge at CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics. Treatment services will continue to be covered under the NHIS.

Officials said the policy is expected to improve access to healthcare, encourage early disease detection and contribute to better health outcomes for residents across the region.