By: Ashiadey Dotse
Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced that government will increase tariffs under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by about 120% next year to strengthen healthcare delivery.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday December 1, 2025, the Minister said the decision follows persistent complaints from healthcare providers that current tariffs are unrealistic and do not match the cost of services. He described the upcoming adjustment as a “game changer” that will help improve access and quality of care across the country.
Akandoh explained that the scheme, which was previously capped and struggling with delayed claim payments, has now seen major improvements after uncapped it. He said prompt releases of funds are now being made to the NHIS, ending the era where service providers threatened to withdraw services due to non-payment.
According to him, confidence in the NHIS has grown significantly. Coverage has increased from 18 million people to about 20 million in less than a year, representing a major jump in enrolment.
The Minister also announced that beginning next year, government will roll out free primary healthcare, backed by GH¢1.5 billion. He said this will include preventive, promotive, and early-detection services, all under the NHIS.
Further interventions include establishing three catheterization centres at major teaching hospitals, procuring DNA testing machines for Noguchi Memorial Institute, and allowing private sector participation in supplying medical equipment.
Akandoh said government is also strengthening the health workforce adding that this year alone, 13,500 nurses have been placed on payroll and 700 doctors are being posted nationwide, especially to underserved districts.
He disclosed that GH¢500 million has already been paid as nursing training allowances, with an additional GH¢231 million to be paid in the first week of December.
Akandoh said these reforms and investments show that the health sector is at the centre of government priorities, adding that the upcoming NHIS tariff increase is a major step toward building a stronger, more reliable healthcare system.
