President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to introduce a 20% incentive on the basic salaries of health workers who accept postings to deprived and underserved communities across the country.
The President made the announcement at the launch of the Free Primary Healthcare programme at the Fian Health Centre in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District of the Upper West Region.
According to President Mahama, the incentive is intended to encourage more health professionals to accept postings to communities where their services are most needed.
He commended young health professionals who have taken up postings in the district, describing their decision to serve in underserved communities as an act of patriotism and commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
President Mahama urged residents in deprived communities to welcome and support newly posted health workers, stressing that their cooperation would be critical to ensuring the success of the government’s efforts to improve access to healthcare.
He also assured health workers that the government was engaging relevant stakeholders to address concerns surrounding their welfare, working conditions and other needs.
The President said the incentive forms part of broader measures aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in underserved areas and ensuring that residents have access to qualified health professionals.
As part of measures to make the Free Primary Healthcare programme effective, President Mahama further urged Ghanaians to register for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), renew their membership and keep their cards active.
He encouraged citizens to take advantage of regular health screenings, particularly for hypertension and diabetes, noting that early detection could help prevent serious health complications.
President Mahama explained that the Free Primary Healthcare programme would provide treatment for common illnesses at the primary healthcare level. However, patients requiring more advanced care could be referred to district hospitals.
He stressed that maintaining active NHIS membership would be important for patients who require further treatment at higher-level health facilities.
The President also highlighted the need for regular health checks among commercial drivers, warning that early detection of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes could help prevent avoidable medical emergencies.
He said ensuring the good health of commercial drivers was not only important for their own safety but also for the protection of passengers and other road users.
The introduction of the 20% salary incentive is expected to help address the persistent challenge of attracting and retaining health professionals in deprived communities, while supporting the government’s broader objective of bringing quality healthcare closer to Ghanaians.
