The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Deputy Chief Executive for Operations, Dr. Kwesi Senanu Djokoto has clarified that the government’s flagship Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund known as Mahama Cares initiatives are envisioned to boost Ghana’s advancement towards attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
He spoke at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons third public lecture, held in Accra, under the theme “Building a Resilient Healthcare System That Works for All.”
Dr. Djokoto stated, “The depth of our coverage, including screening for diseases like hypertension and diabetes, has not been the best. Many chronic conditions, such as cancers, remain gaps in our health system. The Ghana Medical Trust Fund and the Free Primary Healthcare policy are designed to fill these two gaps, ultimately helping the country attain UHC,” he said.
He noted that although the NHIA Act 852 mandates every Ghanaian to be registered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for financial protection against healthcare costs, current coverage stands at only 56% of the population.
Dr. Djokoto further disclosed that the removal of the cap on NHIA funds — commonly referred to as the “uncapping” — has boosted the Authority’s budget from GH₵7 billion to about GH₵10 billion this year.
A representative of the Minister of Health reaffirmed the government’s commitment to health sector reforms that strengthen service delivery and access.
“Our recent health financing policy reforms are directed at supporting capacity-building efforts. The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as the Mahama Cares initiative under the Ghana Health Transformation Agenda, will continue to focus on improving infrastructure, equity, and access to healthcare,” he said.
He emphasised that the future of the NHIS and healthcare delivery lies in sustainable financing, efficient resource use, and bold innovations.
“Most importantly, we must embrace the mindset that health is not a cost but an investment,” he stated.
