President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government's commitment to expanding access to healthcare through free primary healthcare, a strengthened National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), investment in health infrastructure and improved support for health workers.

The President made the remarks after touring the Global Mercy, the world's largest civilian hospital ship, currently docked at the Tema Port.

President Mahama said the government's healthcare agenda was focused on making quality medical care more accessible while reducing the financial burden on families.

He said the government was expanding the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) programme, which provides basic preventive and curative services at the community level. The initiative, launched in April 2026, is designed to complement the NHIS rather than replace it.

The FPHC programme includes screening for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, antenatal and child health services, immunisation, family planning, health education and treatment for common illnesses including malaria, diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections.

As of September, the programme had been extended to 135 districts, with implementation taking place through thousands of CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics. Government has also distributed more than 24,500 pieces of essential medical equipment, alongside motorbikes, tricycles and outreach kits to support community-level healthcare delivery.

President Mahama also said his administration was strengthening the NHIS and investing in hospitals and healthcare workers. The government has stated that the NHIS will continue to provide coverage when patients require services beyond the primary healthcare level.

He further highlighted the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, as another layer of support for serious non-communicable diseases and conditions that require specialised treatment.

The President expressed appreciation to Mercy Ships and its partners for providing specialist medical care and training to Ghanaian health workers, while stressing that government would continue pursuing measures to improve healthcare delivery across the country.

The Free Primary Healthcare programme is expected to reach all districts as government works towards broader universal health coverage.