Radio Progress News first radio station in the Upper West Region
Upper West Regional Health Directorate Lunch Free Primary Healthcare Policy
Picture of Upper West Regional Health Director (Mr. Josephat Nyuzaghl)
The Upper West Regional Health Directorate under the leadership of Mr. Josephat Nyuzaghl has lunch government Free Primary Healthcare Policy in the Region to improve service delivery during the Directorate half-year health sector performance review meeting in Wa.
The forum, held at Sem B Lodge under the theme “Advancing Universal Health Coverage through Free Primary Health Care,” aimed to launch policies under the Government Free Primary Health Care initiative and outline implementation strategies for effective healthcare delivery in the region.
In his welcome address, Mr. Josephat Nyuzaghl, the Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, lamented the lack of staff bungalows to accommodate healthcare providers, which compromises quality healthcare delivery in the region.
“Inadequate staff accommodation continues to hinder the attraction of healthcare workers in Upper West,” he stated.
However, he acknowledged receipt of essential medical equipment to expedite the primary healthcare policy, saying, “Essential medical equipment has been received to implement the pilot phase of the policy.”
Mr. Josephat also reported a significant decline in the maternal mortality rate, stating, “The Region has recorded a decline in maternal mortality ratio from 87.82 to 48.5 per 100,000 live births.”
Mr. Rashid Mohammed, Regional Director of the National Health Insurance Authority, also spoke at the meeting, explaining that the Authority is targeting over 150 districts nationwide by 2028 to implement the Free Primary Health Care Policy.
He noted that the NHIA has released GH¢35.1 million to 107 districts in the country for this initiative.
Picture of Madam Florence Ansung-nwine addressing Health workers
Madam Florence Ansung-nwine, a retired healthcare officer and Chair-lady at the forum, called on the government to address the housing challenges faced by healthcare professionals in the Upper West Region.
She also encouraged doctors from Upper West working elsewhere to return home and contribute to alleviating staffing difficulties.
Hajia Pognaa Fati Issaka Korey, Upper West Regional Coordinating Director, represented Regional Minister Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing and in her speech, she emphasized the importance of healthcare as a vital investment for improving human resource output: “Healthy citizens improve output, whilst healthy children learn better.”
She expressed concerns about financial constraints and long distances from health facilities, which limit timely access to healthcare.
“The Free Primary Healthcare policy presents a unique opportunity to strengthen our CHPS compounds, health centers, and other primary healthcare facilities, making healthcare more accessible to the communities we serve,” she added.
She also presented key health service indicators and performance trends during the 2026 mid-year overview.
Additionally, the Regional Programme Office of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons educated participants on the dangers of illicit small arms and gun violence.
Mr. Ambrose Naawa, FPHC Focal Person, presented the Free Primary Health Policy concept and its implementation, emphasizing the importance of achieving expected outcomes, particularly accessibility. So far, Free Primary Healthcare has been piloted in 10 out of 11 districts, according to the Regional Director of Ghana Health Service
picture of some health worker at the forum
