The Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, Philemon Gyapong, has described Ghana’s Free Primary Health Care initiative as a “brilliant step” toward universal health coverage, but warned that its success will depend heavily on staffing, funding and working conditions for frontline health workers.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday (17 April), Gyapong said nurses and midwives—particularly those in rural and community settings—will be the backbone of the programme’s implementation.
“If you look at those at the forefront, it is nurses and midwives, especially community health nurses. The success of this policy hinges on them,” he said.
He explained that while the policy aims to bring healthcare closer to communities and eliminate cost barriers, existing facilities such as CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics remain under-resourced.
Gyapong warned that without adequate staffing and medical supplies, the programme could overwhelm already stretched health workers and compromise quality of care.
“We may increase access, but if we are not careful, quality will suffer because of workload and limited resources,” he cautioned.
He called for the recruitment of more trained nurses, including those currently unemployed, to fill gaps at the community level. He also stressed the need for proper remuneration and career progression, warning against over-reliance on volunteer arrangements.
“If a trained nurse is engaged as a volunteer and underpaid, it affects commitment and service delivery,” he said.
The nurses’ association further raised concerns about proposals to rely on national service personnel, arguing that healthcare delivery requires trained professionals with the right competencies.
Gyapong also emphasised the importance of improving conditions of service, including rural incentives and accommodation, to attract and retain health workers in underserved areas.
On funding, he suggested exploring multiple sources, including the National Health Insurance Scheme and a possible allocation from oil revenues, to ensure sustainability of the “free” policy.
He added that public education must be strengthened to encourage preventive healthcare and reduce pressure on higher-level facilities.
Despite the concerns, Gyapong maintained that the policy has the potential to improve equity, access and health outcomes if properly implemented with the necessary resources and planning.
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