“Free primary healthcare initiative is not intended to replace NHIS” — Health Minister clarifies

Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health, has clarified that the government’s recently launched Free Primary Healthcare initiative is not intended to replace the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), contrary to speculations circulating among sections of the public.

According to the Minister, the initiative is designed to complement the NHIS and strengthen access to healthcare delivery across the country.

Speaking to health workers in the Oti Region on Thursday night, Mr Akandoh explained that the government has allocated between GH¢1.2 billion and GH¢1.5 billion towards the implementation of the programme, assuring stakeholders of its sustainability.

He stated that unlike the previous administration’s policy of “capping and realignment,” which diverted portions of NHIS revenues into the Consolidated Fund for non-health-related expenditures, the current government is committing all NHIS levy proceeds directly into the health sector.

“The previous regime had a concept or legislation called capping or realignment. It means that when the NHIS raked in about GH¢9 billion, only GH¢6 billion was allocated to NHIS expenditure, while the remaining GH¢3 billion went into the Consolidated Fund for other purposes,” he said.

Mr Akandoh noted that in 2025 alone, government mobilised nearly GH¢9 billion to GH¢10 billion through the NHIS levy, all of which was fully allocated to the health sector.

He further stressed that the Free Primary Healthcare initiative would not create parallel structures outside the NHIS framework.

“We are not going to set parallel structures against the NHIS. No, it is the same NHIS that is going to do the disbursement,” he stated.

The Minister added that allocations to the NHIS are approved annually by Parliament, describing the scheme as one of the country’s most reliable funding mechanisms.

“The little we are taking, we are using it where it matters most. We will not use NHIS money to build a cathedral. We will rather use it in the same health sector,” he added.

Mr Akandoh reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare financing and improving access to primary healthcare services nationwide.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith