Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang says recent reforms in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) are restoring trust and improving how health facilities operate.
After meeting senior officials of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), she said the scheme is witnessing rising membership across the country.
According to her, the briefing from Dr. Divine Ndonbi Banyubala and Deputy Chief Executive for Operations Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto highlighted a shift in public perception. “They reported a renewed public confidence in the NHIS, reflected in the growing numbers enrolling across the country,” she said.
The Vice President explained that uncapping NHIS funds has released new financial space for service delivery. She noted that “over GHC 3.4 billion” has been injected into the health sector, allowing for more predictable payments to healthcare providers and supporting the functionality of hospitals and clinics.
She also pointed to updates on the Free Primary Health Care policy, which is being integrated fully into the NHIS. The NHIA informed her of the ongoing rollout and its aim to guarantee universal access at the primary-care level.
Opoku-Agyemang said the government sees the Ghana Health Trust Fund (MahamaCares) as a key component of the new healthcare framework. She described it as “a landmark investment in inclusive healthcare,” intended to support treatment for cancers, kidney and heart conditions, and other severe ailments.
She acknowledged reports of some facilities charging unapproved fees, stressing that the NHIA leadership “is determined to confront” the practice. She urged continued oversight and public education to ensure citizens understand the reforms being rolled out.
