National Health Insurance Fund Amendment Bill passed by parliament

Parliament has approved the National Health Insurance Fund Amendment Bill, clearing the way for a portion of Ghana’s health insurance revenues to be channelled into a new vehicle known as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, branded “Mahama Cares”.

Under the amendment, 20% of all inflows into the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will be transferred to the Medical Trust Fund once the President assents to the legislation. The law will also halt input tax deductions on the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) levy, ring-fencing more resources for health spending.

According to the explanatory memorandum, the Trust Fund is expected to finance programmes focused on non-communicable diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular conditions and diabetes, which health experts say are placing growing strain on Ghana’s health system.

Debate ahead of the vote was sharply partisan, with the two main caucuses clashing over who should take credit for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) itself.

MPs on the NPP Minority side insisted the scheme was a flagship reform of the John Agyekum Kufuor administration in 2003, replacing the “cash-and-carry” regime that required patients to pay before receiving treatment.

NDC Majority members, however, argued that the policy architecture for the NHIS was developed during the era of former President Jerry John Rawlings, and only implemented later.

Despite the historical tussle, the House ultimately endorsed the amendments, which are seen as a key plank in efforts to broaden health financing and strengthen Ghana’s response to non-communicable diseases.