Report By: Ishmael Barfi
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a series of reforms designed to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system and enhance access to quality care for all Ghanaians.
The reforms were presented by NHIA CEO Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe during a two-day (28th-29th October, 2025) stakeholders’ conference in Accra. They include initiatives to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage, eliminate illegal co-payments, and expand coverage.
Dr. Bampoe emphasized the need for collective action to transform Ghana’s healthcare system, focusing on equity, integrity, and universal access.
The conference, themed “Consolidating Strategic Partnerships for a Resilient and Inclusive Health Insurance Scheme,” brought together stakeholders to discuss how to improve the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and achieve universal health coverage.
He outlined key initiatives and strategic objectives, which include Universal health coverage, Elimination of illegal co-payments, Strengthening the NHIS, Free primary healthcare and establishing a Ghana Medical Trust Fund
Dr. Bampoe urged all stakeholders to collaborate on implementation, funding, and accountability, stressing that rebuilding trust in the system requires “collective energy, creativity, and integrity.”
Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, Presidency
Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, representing the Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, commended Dr. Bampoe for leading strategic partnerships to strengthen the NHIS. “This agency is consolidating strategic partnerships for a resilient and inclusive health insurance scheme. It’s not only timely; it’s essential,” stated Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff.
He highlighted that the government’s health vision, as outlined in the 2024 manifesto, aims to overhaul the NHIS through significant reforms, such as the Ghana Med-Trust Care (NHIS Medicard) initiative and the introduction of free primary healthcare.
Mr. Debrah revealed that the government has increased the National Health Insurance Levy, making an additional ₵3.4 billion available to the fund this year. “This will go a long way in supporting claims payments and administrative functions,” he said, adding that ₵2.8 billion has already been disbursed to healthcare providers—an intervention that has restored provider confidence and boosted public trust in the NHIS.
The NHIA’s efforts seek to improve healthcare access and outcomes for Ghanaians, particularly among vulnerable populations. The authority is committed to transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement to drive progress toward universal health coverage and a more resilient healthcare system.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
