The Western North Region has taken a major step toward improving healthcare delivery following a successful Training of Trainers workshop on the newly introduced Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) Policy.
The intensive one-day training, held on 28th May 2026, was organized by the Western North Regional Health Directorate to prepare health professionals and district health leaders for the smooth implementation of the government’s landmark healthcare initiative launched by President John Dramani Mahama in March 2026.
The Free Primary Healthcare policy seeks to remove financial barriers that prevent citizens from accessing basic healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities across the country.
Under the policy, essential healthcare services at the primary level will be provided free of charge. These include maternal and child healthcare services, routine immunizations, screenings for hypertension, diabetes and cancer, as well as treatment for common illnesses.
Out of the 150 beneficiary districts selected nationwide, seven out of the nine districts in the Western North Region have been chosen to benefit from the initiative, bringing renewed hope to residents in the region.
Speaking during the workshop, the Regional Director of Health Service, Dr. Paulina Clara Appiah, described the policy as a game-changer for Ghana’s healthcare system.
This policy is a complete game-changer for Ghana’s healthcare system,” she stated.
The training brought together District Directors, Hospital Managers, Public Health Nurses, Health Promotion Officers and other specialized health officers to strengthen their understanding of the implementation guidelines.
Several regional health leaders facilitated sessions during the workshop. Dr. Paulina Clara Appiah explained the vision, operations and eligibility guidelines of the policy, while Dr. Kingsley Osei Kwakye, Deputy Director of Public Health, focused on practical implementation strategies.
Health Promotion Manager Ms. Philipina Mensah led discussions on community engagement and communication strategies, while Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Ms. Sarah Appiah highlighted quality standards expected in nursing and midwifery service delivery.
Mr. Seidu Salifu, the Regional FPHC Coordinator, also guided participants through operational tools, CHPS profiling and baseline data collection methods needed for effective implementation.
The workshop ended with an interactive question-and-answer session and the submission of district implementation plans. Participants are expected to return to their respective districts to train frontline healthcare workers for the full rollout of the policy.
With government support in logistics, funding and supervision, the Western North Region appears fully prepared to ensure that free primary healthcare becomes accessible to all residents.
The initiative is expected to improve healthcare access, reduce preventable deaths and strengthen Ghana’s primary healthcare system.
