Government injects Ghc3.4 billion to uncap NHIS, strengthen free primary healthcare access and combat co-payments

The government has uncapped the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), injecting about Ghc3.4 billion this year to strengthen the scheme and ensure effective access to healthcare for all Ghanaians.

The capping policy, which previously limited the allocation of revenue from the National Health Insurance Levy to the fund, has now been removed.

Speaking at the NHIA’s two-day Stakeholders’ Conference in Accra on behalf of Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah said the move was part of efforts to eliminate co-payments or illegal charges and ensure free primary healthcare across the country.

He noted that timely disbursements and increased provider confidence have already begun yielding results, with Ghc2.8 billion disbursed to healthcare providers so far this year.

The conference, held under the theme “Consolidating Strategic Partnerships for a Resilient and Inclusive Health Insurance Scheme,” provided a platform to reinforce collaboration between policymakers, health experts, civil society, and development partners.

Mr Debrah praised the NHIA’s zero-tolerance campaign against illegal co-payments, describing unauthorised charges as a practice that erodes public trust, deepens inequality, and burdens the poor and vulnerable. He called for intensified public education to promote the scheme and correct misconceptions.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening the NHIS through sustainable funding, realistic tariffs, and reforms aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. He emphasised that facilities complying with NHIS regulations would be rewarded, while those exploiting patients would face sanctions.

Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, NHIA Chief Executive Officer, revealed that the scheme currently covers 95 per cent of all health conditions with 16.5 million active members, targeting 20 million by year-end. He highlighted initiatives such as the Co-payment Taskforce, MyNHIS App, cashless premium collection, and telehealth services to improve accessibility and transparency.

Dr Bampoe commended Goaso Municipal Hospital for successfully eliminating co-payments and encouraged other facilities to emulate its model. The ongoing conference has reinforced stakeholder collaboration to drive universal health coverage and ensure equitable healthcare delivery across Ghana.