Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has emphasised Ghana’s large rise in investment in health finance as the government works to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and prepare for future funding issues.
The Minister states that since 2025, the government has significantly expanded spending for the health sector through greater budgetary releases, changes to the National Health Insurance Scheme, and additional investments aimed at addressing non-communicable diseases.
The comments were delivered by Dr. Forson in an Accra meeting with Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, the Regional Director for Africa of the World Health Organization.
He claimed that in order to provide more funding for the provision of healthcare, the government had uncapped the National Health Insurance Levy and made sure that the National Health Insurance Authority received its full allotment solely for operations linked to health.
The Minister stated that the reforms have reinforced healthcare finance and improved the Authority’s financial condition.
“Last year, for the first time in a long while, the NHIA received all that was due it.”
Dr. Forson also revealed that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and the creation of specialised treatment facilities in hospitals throughout the nation are two ways the government is funding the battle against non-communicable diseases.
As part of larger initiatives to increase access to healthcare services, he also mentioned the recent introduction of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme.
As support from the Global Fund steadily wanes by 2029, Ghana is also getting ready to fully cover vaccines and essential medications, according to the cover Minister.
“As support from the Global Fund for vaccines and critical medicines declines, we are taking steps to ensure that beginning January 2030, Ghana fully budgets for and finances these essential health needs,” he said.
Dr. Janabi praised Ghana’s achievements and emphasised that significant health expenditure is still essential for both national growth and economic productivity.
Additionally, he called for African nations to increase their domestic production of medicines and vaccines, lessen their reliance on imports, and step up their efforts to combat non-communicable diseases.
Source: newsthemegh.com