The Ministry of Health has rolled out a new package of medical kits—featuring easily identifiable red backpacks—to assist community health nurses working under the free primary healthcare programme.
Speaking to Joy News, Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, explained that the backpacks are intended to improve both the visibility of nurses and their ability to deliver essential services within communities.
She noted that each backpack is stocked with key tools such as a weighing scale, blood pressure monitor, glucometer, flashlight, and a raincoat, all aimed at supporting routine community-level care.
According to her, the initiative will strengthen early diagnosis of conditions like hypertension and diabetes, ultimately easing pressure on referral hospitals by reducing overcrowding and long waiting times.
Addressing safety concerns, she added that nurses will carry proper identification and will be officially introduced to community leaders before beginning their work.
Dr Ayensu-Danquah stressed that while community health nursing is already established in Ghana, the introduction of these kits is meant to enhance service delivery.
The free primary healthcare programme, which was launched on April 15, is currently being piloted in 150 districts, alongside the installation of health kiosks in busy public areas such as markets and lorry stations.
Source: myjoyonline.com
