STAR Ghana Foundation Welcomes Uncapping of NHIS Levy as Major…

The STAR Ghana Foundation applauds the Finance Minister’s decision to uncap the NHIS levy, highlighting its potential benefits for private hospitals and healthcare funding. The government’s 2025 budget also includes full allocation to the GETFund and NHIL, expected to enhance funding for critical education initiatives. STAR Ghana is establishing a manifesto tracker to monitor government’s health sector commitments, promoting accountability.

The STAR Ghana Foundation has expressed its approval regarding Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s decision to uncap the National Health Insurance (NHIS) levy, a move anticipated to enhance funding across the health sector in Ghana. Mr. Raymond Danso, Portfolio Manager for Right to Services at STAR Ghana Foundation, indicated that this advancement would benefit private hospitals and bolster free primary healthcare initiatives, marking a crucial victory for health financing.

The government has committed to full allocation of critical funds, including the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and the NHIL, as outlined in the 2025 budget. Dr. Forson, in his presentation of the budget statement, noted the uncapping of GETFund, which is predicted to generate an additional GH¢4.1 billion, ensuring reliable funding for the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme and other essential educational projects.

Mr. Danso emphasized that the allocated NHIS funds would significantly relieve private hospitals through timely reimbursements, facilitating government initiatives aimed at free primary healthcare and various other projects over the coming years. Furthermore, he expressed enthusiasm that STAR Ghana Foundation’s proposals and advocacy efforts were being reflected in the current budget delineation.

To ensure continued improvement in the healthcare system, Mr. Danso asserted the importance of sustained monitoring and public engagement. STAR Ghana Foundation is working on establishing a comprehensive manifesto tracker to monitor the commitments made by the government in the health sector, an initiative aimed at enhancing accountability and fostering evidence-based discussions with policymakers.

This meeting, organized by the STAR Ghana Foundation with FCDO funding, aims to provide civil society organizations (CSOs) a platform to analyze advocacy opportunities in healthcare. The objective is to strengthen the role of CSOs in monitoring government performance in healthcare and advocating for necessary reforms while tracking healthcare improvement commitments.

In conclusion, the uncapping of the NHIS levy represents a significant step forward for health financing in Ghana, signaling enhanced funding for private healthcare sectors and free primary healthcare initiatives. The STAR Ghana Foundation, through its advocacy and subsequent establishment of a manifesto tracker, aims to monitor governmental commitments, ensuring transparency and effectiveness in healthcare improvements. Overall, this development reflects a promising trajectory toward better healthcare service delivery in Ghana.

Original Source: 3news.com