The Deputy Minister for Finance and Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has announced that government has made available a total of GH¢1.4 billion to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as part of its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery systems in the country.
He made this announcement during the launch of the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) School of Medical Sciences in Kumasi last Thursday.
According to the Deputy Minister, the transfer forms part of a broader strategy by government to improve access to healthcare and ensure the sustainability of the NHIS following President Mahama’s directive to uncap the National Health Insurance Fund to enable greater investment in critical health initiatives.
“His Excellency President Mahama instructed us to uncap the National Health Insurance. And so, we have uncapped the NHIS and transferred GH¢1.4 billion to the Scheme this year,” Mr. Ampem disclosed.
He said the GH¢1.4 billion transfer forms part of a broader health financing reform agenda being implemented under the 2025 Budget, which was recently approved by Parliament.
He noted that in addition, over GH¢2 billion has been allocated for healthcare infrastructure development between 2025 and 2028, with GH¢200 million earmarked for projects starting in 2025 alone.
“These investments are strategic and necessary to improve both healthcare infrastructure and access to services, especially in underserved areas,” he added.
The NHIS had previously faced challenges due to capped funding, which limited its capacity to reimburse service providers on time and expand coverage. The uncapping of the Fund, Mr. Ampem noted, will now allow for uninterrupted financing of healthcare services and timely reimbursement to healthcare providers.
“We are taking deliberate steps to ensure that the NHIS is financially healthy and responsive to the needs of our people,” the Deputy Minister stated. “The GH¢1.4 billion is a clear demonstration of this intent of the President and the Minister of Finance, Dr Ato Forson.”
Also present at the celebration were academics, students, health professionals, and government officials.
