Ghana's Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that the country's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage has increased from 57% to approximately 70% in less than two years. This significant growth is attributed to measures aimed at strengthening the scheme's finances, including the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy. The Minister made this revelation at the Ministry of Health's Sector Update Engagement in Accra on October 7.
According to Minister Akandoh, the additional resources generated have improved the NHIS's ability to meet its obligations to healthcare providers. The funding for the scheme has risen from about GH¢6.5 billion in 2024 to GH¢9.8 billion in 2025. This increase in funding has enabled the government to increase payments to healthcare providers by an average of 50%. The higher payments aim to reduce delays in settling claims owed to healthcare facilities and improve their capacity to continue providing services to NHIS beneficiaries.
Minister Akandoh emphasized that improving the scheme's financial position and ensuring timely reimbursement to service providers are critical to sustaining access to healthcare and reducing financial pressure on beneficiaries. The Minister's comments come at a time when the government is seeking to enhance the NHIS and make healthcare more accessible to Ghanaians. The NHIS was introduced to provide financial protection to citizens and residents, enabling them to access essential healthcare services.
The increase in NHIS coverage is a significant achievement for the government, particularly under President Mahama's administration. The government has been working to strengthen the scheme, which has faced challenges in the past, including delays in payments to healthcare providers. The Minister's announcement suggests that these efforts are yielding positive results, with more Ghanaians benefiting from the scheme.
The government's efforts to increase funding for the NHIS have been complemented by initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency of the scheme. These include measures to streamline claims processing and reduce administrative costs. The Minister indicated that the government is committed to continuing to improve the NHIS, with a focus on enhancing access to healthcare services for all Ghanaians.
The NHIS has been instrumental in reducing the financial burden of healthcare on Ghanaians, particularly those in low-income households. By increasing coverage and improving funding, the government aims to ensure that more people can access essential healthcare services without facing financial hardship. The Minister's announcement has been welcomed by stakeholders, who see it as a positive step towards achieving universal health coverage in Ghana.
As the government continues to work towards achieving its healthcare goals, the NHIS is expected to play a critical role. With increased funding and improved efficiency, the scheme is well-positioned to sustain its growth and provide more Ghanaians with access to quality healthcare services. The government's commitment to strengthening the NHIS is a testament to its dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of its citizens.
Key points
- NHIS coverage has increased from 57% to 70% in less than two years under President Mahama.
- The increase in funding for the NHIS has enabled the government to increase payments to healthcare providers by an average of 50%.
- The government aims to sustain access to healthcare and reduce financial pressure on beneficiaries by improving the scheme's financial position and ensuring timely reimbursement to service providers.
