The STAR Ghana Foundation has lauded the decision by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to uncap the National Health Insurance levy. This initiative is seen as vital for funding private hospitals and promoting free primary healthcare. Furthermore, the proposed health sector budget allocation is anticipated to lead to substantial improvements in Ghana’s healthcare system, with ongoing advocacy and monitoring being emphasized as critical.
The STAR Ghana Foundation has expressed approval of Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s decision to uncap the National Health Insurance (NHIS) levy, emphasizing its crucial impact on various health services in Ghana. Mr. Raymond Danso, Portfolio Manager for Right to Services at STAR Ghana Foundation, highlighted this move as a pivotal moment for health financing, benefiting private hospitals and initiatives aimed at providing free primary healthcare.
In the 2025 budget presentation, the government announced the comprehensive allocation of funds to vital sectors including the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), and Road Fund. The Finance Minister specifically noted that uncapping the GETFund would facilitate additional funding of approximately GH¢4.1 billion to ensure sustainable financing for key educational programs, like the Free SHS initiative.
Mr. Danso articulated his optimism, suggesting that the allocation of the health insurance levy signals a positive direction for health sector funding, ensuring timely reimbursements for private hospitals and ongoing commitment to free primary healthcare. He remarked on the importance of sustained advocacy and monitoring to translate these budgetary commitments into tangible improvements in the healthcare landscape.
The STAR Ghana Foundation is working on establishing a manifesto tracker aimed at enhancing governmental accountability pertaining to health sector commitments. This initiative is designed to support systematic monitoring and ensure evidence-based dialogues with policymakers, ultimately aiming to bolster civil society’s role in advocating for necessary reforms in health service delivery.
This meeting convened by STAR Ghana Foundation, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), aims to facilitate discussions on advancing evidence-based advocacy while enhancing civil society’s contributions in monitoring government performance in healthcare improvements.
In summary, the uncapping of the National Health Insurance levy represents a major advancement for Ghana’s health financing. The financial commitments outlined in the 2025 budget, along with STAR Ghana Foundation’s proactive measures, illustrate a concerted effort to enhance healthcare services and ensure accountability in the sector. Continuous monitoring and engagement will be fundamental to translating these commitments into meaningful reforms and improvements in healthcare delivery.
Original Source: 3news.com
