Parliament approves GH¢10b for National Health Insurance Authority

The Parliament of Ghana approved the 2025 formula for the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) on Friday. They allocated GH¢10 billion to the Fund.

The NHIF supports the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This scheme aims to provide healthcare access for all Ghanaians. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) manages the NHIF and oversees citizen care under the NHIS.

The proposed disbursement formula includes:
- GH¢6.5 billion for 2025 claims (65.1%)
- GH¢1.2 billion for NHIA operational expenses (12.3%)
- GH¢124 million for district offices (1.2%)
- GH¢984 million for the Ministry of Health (9.8%)

Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, spoke to the media in Accra on Friday. He noted that in 2024, GH¢6 billion was allocated to the NHIF. This year’s allocation of GH¢10 billion marks an increase in resources.

The Minister explained that uncapping the NHIF in the 2025 Budget allows excess funds to support primary healthcare. These funds will also fill revenue gaps from reduced donor support and aid the Ghana Trust Fund, known as 'Mahama Care.'

Mr. Akandoh mentioned that beyond these allocations, funds would also support dialysis treatment under the NHIS. The Mahama-led government had established a policy framework for dialysis treatment in Ghana.

He highlighted that statistics show 45% of mortality is due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The Mahama Care initiative will fund chronic NCDs like stroke and kidney infections.

The NHIF is funded through several sources:
- National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL)
- Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) contributions
- Returns on NHIF investments

The NHIF ensures that the NHIS provides financial access to quality healthcare for Ghanaians since its establishment in 2003.

Source: GNA