Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh says government will raise tariffs under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by about 120% next year to boost healthcare delivery.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, December 1, 2025, he explained that the review follows repeated concerns from healthcare providers that existing tariffs are unrealistic and do not reflect the true cost of services. He described the adjustment as a “game changer” that will enhance access and improve quality of care nationwide.
Akandoh noted that the scheme, which once struggled with capped funding and delayed claim payments, has seen major progress since the cap was removed. He said releases to the NHIS are now prompt, ending the long-standing tensions that often led providers to threaten service withdrawal.
Confidence in the scheme, he added, has surged. NHIS coverage has grown from 18 million to nearly 20 million people within a year—an impressive rise in enrolment.
The Minister also announced that government will introduce free primary healthcare next year, supported with GH¢1.5 billion. This package will cover preventive, promotive, and early-detection services under the NHIS.
Additional health-sector interventions include the establishment of three catheterization centres at major teaching hospitals, procurement of DNA testing machines for the Noguchi Memorial Institute, and expanded private sector participation in supplying medical equipment.
Akandoh highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the health workforce, revealing that 13,500 nurses have been placed on payroll this year, and 700 doctors are being deployed nationwide, particularly to underserved districts.
He further disclosed that GH¢500 million in nursing training allowances has already been paid, with an additional GH¢231 million set for release in the first week of December.
According to him, these reforms and investments underline government’s commitment to prioritizing the health sector, with the upcoming NHIS tariff increase marking a key step toward a stronger and more dependable healthcare system.
