The STAR Ghana Foundation commends the uncap of the National Health Insurance levy by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. This decision is expected to improve funding for healthcare, particularly benefiting private hospitals. Additionally, the government has committed to fully allocate funds to the NHIS and other critical sectors in the 2025 budget, securing essential resources for education and health initiatives.
The STAR Ghana Foundation has applauded Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for the decision to uncap the National Health Insurance (NHIS) levy, which is poised to significantly influence the funding of the health sector, notably benefiting private hospitals and free primary healthcare initiatives.
The government has committed to fully allocating funds to the NHIS, along with the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and the Road Fund in the 2025 budget. This strategic financial adjustment is projected to yield an extra GH¢4.1 billion to ensure sustainable funding for essential education initiatives, including the Free Senior High School (SHS) program.
During a presentation of the 2025 Budget Statement, Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson emphasized the decision to remove the cap on the GETFund, highlighting its importance in addressing funding challenges for higher education.
Mr. Raymond Danso, the Portfolio Manager for Right to Services at STAR-Ghana Foundation, stated that the uncap will enable timely reimbursement to private hospitals and enhance the government’s ability to deliver free primary healthcare services effectively. He remarked, “the allocation for the health insurance levy will be given to the health insurance sector. And we think that this is a big relief.”
While acknowledging progress, Mr. Danso noted that the Foundation remains committed to exploring policy alternatives and engaging with the government to improve the healthcare system further. He highlighted the need for sustained monitoring and advocacy to ensure that the government’s commitments result in tangible enhancements in healthcare delivery.
As part of its initiative, STAR Ghana Foundation is in the process of establishing a manifesto tracker aimed at systematically monitoring government commitments within the health sector. This initiative seeks to promote accountability and facilitate evidence-based dialogue with policymakers.
The recent convening led by STAR-Ghana Foundation, backed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), served as a platform to discuss opportunities for leveraging civil society’s advocacy in healthcare service delivery. It aimed to strengthen the efforts of civil society organizations in monitoring government performance and advocating for reforms in healthcare.
In the context of tracking governmental commitments in health, Mr. Danso remarked on the importance of defining monitoring strategies and feedback mechanisms to support government objectives. Overall, the uncap of the NHIS levy marks an important stride towards enhancing health financing in Ghana.
The uncap of the National Health Insurance levy represents a significant advancement for health financing in Ghana, as acknowledged by the STAR Ghana Foundation. This policy shift is anticipated to bolster funding for private hospitals and enhance public healthcare initiatives. Continuous monitoring and advocacy from civil society will be essential to ensure these commitments lead to meaningful improvements in the healthcare system.
Original Source: 3news.com
