The government of Ghana, through the National Health Insurance Authority, together with the stakeholders in the health sector, launched an innovative initiative, called "Free Annual Health Checkup," to enhance healthcare for all citizens.
The initiative with the theme "Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases and Chronic Diseases in Ghana" was launched to embolden the commitment of the NHIA to promoting and preventing healthcare as well as ensuring access to essential health services for all and sundry.
Addressing the high-profile actors in the health sector and stakeholders, the CEO of NHIA, Dr Da-costa Aboagye said the government has made this possible to ensure that Ghanaians have access to free health check up to reduce incidence of diseases.
Dr Aboagye indicated that the health systems worldwide were increasingly recognising the importance of preventive healthcare measures.
He said that early detections and interventions could prevent serious health conditions, reducing the cost burden of diseases and improving quality of life, hence the introduction of the "Free Annual Health Checkup" programme.
"Our Free Annual Health Checkup programme is designed with these goals in mind. By offering free comprehensive health screening annually, we aim to identify potential health issues at an early stage, allowing for timely treatment and management," he noted.
He emphasised that the first phase of the initiative would provide a range of health services, including blood pressure testing, blood sugar testing, Body Mass Index testing (height and weight), counselling, and referral when needed.
He added, "These tests will be available at designated public and private health facilities nationwide, ensuring accessibility for everyone regardless of location or socio-economic status."
"The programme is opened to all citizens covered under the NHIS and anyone who possesses the Ghana Card, emphasising our commitment to equitable health access," he added.
He further acknowledged the collaboration efforts of the various stakeholders, namely the Ministry of Health, Healthcare providers, comprising Ghana Health Service, the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Private Health facilities, Teaching Hospitals, the Society of Private Medical and Dental Health Practitioners and Community Leaders for the making the launch a reality that would benefit Ghanaians.
He again extended gratitude to all development partners, including the USAID, for their support and dedication to improving public health.
"The NHIA will work with its partners to ensure that they are well-equipped to deliver this high-quality screening. This programme is not just about testing, but it is about educating our population on healthy lifestyles and preventive measures," he noted.
Dr Aboagye Dacosta, however, urged all citizens to take advantage of the "Free Annual Health Checkup" not only to safeguard their health but also to contribute to a healthier and more productive nation
He hinted that this initiative was one of the Authority's broader strategies to enhance the healthcare system.
"We are continuously working to expand our health services, improve health infrastructure, and ensure that every citizen has access to the care they need. The success of the Free Annual Health Checkup programme will pave the way for more innovative healthcare initiatives in the future," he said.
Touching on the benefit of the initiative, Dr Aboagye Dacosta said, the programme intended to increase life expectancy and reduce the cost burden of hypertension and diabetes, being the core drivers of the costs
He added that the NHIA intended to also, through this initiative, accelerate achieving universal health coverage as well as accelerate achieving Sustainable Development Goal three, health and wellness.
"We intend to do predictive prevention and also intend to use this to increase our membership," he stressed.
He also mentioned that through the Ghana Health Service and all other stakeholders, there would be a nationwide orientation to make sure that Ghanaians understood and took advantage of the initiative.
Research, he added, would be a key component of the initiative as well as health education and community engagement through the community and traditional leaders.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, Mr Joseph Cudjoe, Minister of Public Enterprises, said, the launch of the Free Annual Health Checkup, made it the two major policies (Free SHS and Free Annual Health Checkup) introduced by the Akufo Addo and Dr Bawumia government to make life better and productive for Ghanaians.
According to her, investing in education and health was the best any government could offer its citizens.
She said this initiative would provide the opportunity for all Ghanaians, 18 years and above, irrespective of whether they are enrolled in the NHIS or not to access healthcare at any credentialed healthcare provider nationwide.
She further encouraged Ghanaians to show interest in the early detection of health implications through the Free Annual Health Checkup as it would help individuals to know their health status to plan their lives.
The Special Guest of Honour, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, who was ably represented by Nii Kwao Donkor, urged Ghanaians to embrace this initiative, promising to support the NHIA in the sensitisation of the programme to meet its purpose.
Solidarity Messages from the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Services, Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners, and development partners pledged their unflinching support for the initiative to thrive, looking at the impact of the Non-Communicable Diseases in the country, posing more threat to life than diseases.