The Chief of Staff for the Republic of Ghana, Mr. Julius Debrah, has urged the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to engage the public by way of education on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to equip them with the knowledge of its benefits in other to prevent them from having to make payments for medical care already covered under the scheme.
Mr. Debrah noted that if members of the scheme are aware of its benefits, they would be able to cooperate well with the authority in its efforts at clamping down on recalcitrant credentialed healthcare facility management, who demand cash payments from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) active members at the point of need.
Delivering the keynoteaddress of the vice president, Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, at the opening ceremony of the NHIA’s maiden Stakeholder Conference held in Accra on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the chief of staff recognized the transformative leadership of the authority.
He praised the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Governing Board and Executive Management’s transformational leadership, citing their formation of the Illegal Charges (Co-payments) National and Regional Taskforces, established for clamping down some recalcitrant credentialed healthcare facility management demanding cash payments from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) active members at the point of need.
He, however, noted that such efforts must be complemented by educating the public through various channels.
“Let us go beyond our offices into communities, schools, churches, mosques, markets, and lorry parks to educate Ghanaians about the scheme’s benefits. Public awareness is our best defense against exploitation.”
Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff for the Republic of Ghana
The Chief of Staff noted that it behooves the authority to complement its efforts through the illegal charges (co-payments) of the National and Regional Task Forces by creating awareness in the public of the full scope of the scheme.
He emphasized the necessity of these processes by stressing that members of the scheme must be protected against exploitation in order to preserve the integrity of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
“These illegal fees, often demanded at the point of need, undermine the purpose of the scheme. They erode public trust, deepen inequality, and place undue burden on the poor and vulnerable.”
Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff for the Republic of Ghana
Today’s event, which aimed at strengthening collaboration and consolidating strategic partnerships for a more resilient and an all-inclusive NHIS, was on the theme “Consolidating Strategic Partnerships for a Resilient and Inclusive Health Insurance Scheme.”
Among collaborators at the event were stakeholders in the health sector from the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana, World Health Organization (WHO), Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, policymakers, traditional leaders, NHIA staff, and directors.
The Chief of Staff also seized the moment to announce two government initiatives that are intended to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), including the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund (MahamaCares) and the Free Primary Health Care Programme.
He explained that the MahamaCares Fund will finance treatment for major diseases such as kidney failure, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and sickle cell disease, while the Free Primary Health Care initiative will focus on disease prevention, early detection, and treatment, particularly in underserved communities, with the goal of reducing out-of-pocket spending and improving access.
“Together, these initiatives will expand the reach of the NHIS, especially for low-income and vulnerable populations. We are investing in health not just as a right, but as a driver of national development.”
Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff for the Republic of Ghana
He also emphasized government efforts at improving the scheme, which is reflected in the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy, releasing an additional GHC 3.4 billion into the NHIS fund in 2025.
“As of today, the total amount of funds disbursed by NHIA to healthcare providers this year stands at GHC 2.8 billion. This timely injection of funds is increasing provider confidence, encouraging compliance, and driving enrollment growth.”
Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff for the Republic of Ghana
The Chief of Staff of the NHIA leadership underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including faith-based institutions, civil society, development partners, the media, and the public, in consolidating efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
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