In a bold move to strengthen healthcare delivery in Ghana, Parliament has approved a GH¢10 billion allocation for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for the 2025 fiscal year. This funding represents a major increase from the GH¢6 billion allocated in the previous year, underlining a renewed national effort to improve health outcomes and expand access to quality care.
This approval came on Friday, May 30, 2025, after Parliament reviewed and endorsed the formula for the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which provides the financial backbone for the NHIS.
How the GH¢10 Billion Will Be Spent
The funds will be distributed across several key areas of the health sector:
•GH¢6.5 billion (65.1%) is earmarked for paying claims to healthcare providers. This is crucial for sustaining uninterrupted service delivery and clearing outstanding arrears.
•GH¢1.2 billion (12.3%) will support operational expenses for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), ensuring that the scheme continues to run smoothly.
•GH¢984 million (9.8%) goes to the Ministry of Health, to align broader health initiatives with NHIS coverage.
•GH¢124 million (1.2%) is set aside for supporting district-level NHIS offices, enhancing community access and service quality.
Key Policy Changes and New Coverage Areas
This year’s formula introduces some important changes:
•Uncapping the NHIF: For the first time, the fund has been uncapped, freeing up more resources for health services and reducing financial bottlenecks.
•Dialysis Now Covered: NHIS will now cover dialysis treatment, a major relief for patients battling kidney-related illnesses.
•‘Mahama Care’ Initiative: The fund will also support the new ‘Mahama Care’ program, which targets non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as stroke and kidney infections. This move addresses a rising concern in public health and provides coverage for those most vulnerable.
The GH¢10 billion NHIS 2025 allocation is a game-changer. With claims clearing, new treatment coverage, and operational strengthening, this approval signals a strong national commitment to achieving universal health coverage. For millions of Ghanaians, this isn’t just about numbers—it’s about access, dignity, and life-saving care.
