Free SHS vs. Free Medical Care in Ghana: Which is More Beneficial?

In Ghana, two major social interventions—Free Senior High School (Free SHS) and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for free medical care—have sparked debates on which is more beneficial to the country. Education and healthcare are both critical for national development, but given limited resources, should Ghana prioritize free education over free medical care? This article examines the advantages and challenges of both policies and their impact on the nation.

The Case for Free SHS

Introduced in 2017, Free SHS ensures that all Ghanaian students can access secondary education without financial barriers. The benefits include:

1. Increased Access to Education

• Before Free SHS, many students, especially from poor backgrounds, dropped out due to high fees.
• Now, more students can complete secondary school, increasing literacy and skill levels.

2. Boosting Human Capital Development

• Education equips students with knowledge and skills needed for employment and national progress.
• A well-educated workforce attracts investors and boosts economic growth.

3. Reducing Social Inequality

• Poor families now have equal educational opportunities as wealthy ones.
• This helps break the cycle of poverty across generations.

Challenges of Free SHS

• Overcrowding in schools due to increased enrollment.
• Strain on government finances, affecting quality and infrastructure.
• Delays in supplying educational materials like textbooks and dormitory space.

The Case for Free Medical Care

Ghana introduced the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to provide affordable healthcare. Many argue that fully free medical care should be prioritized because:

1. Health is a Basic Human Right

• Without good health, people cannot work or even attend school.
• Diseases like malaria, hypertension, and diabetes remain major concerns in Ghana.

2. Reducing the Burden of Healthcare Costs

• Many Ghanaians cannot afford medical bills, leading to preventable deaths.
• Free healthcare would ensure timely treatment for all, regardless of financial status.

3. Economic Productivity

• A healthy workforce boosts productivity and economic growth.
• Free medical care would reduce absenteeism in workplaces and schools.

Challenges of Free Medical Care

• Government struggles to fund NHIS, leading to delays in payments to hospitals.
• Many public hospitals lack medicines, equipment, and trained staff.
• Some healthcare workers migrate abroad due to low salaries.

Which Is More Beneficial?

Both policies serve important roles, but healthcare is more fundamental because without good health, education becomes meaningless. However, Free SHS ensures long-term national development by creating an educated workforce. Ideally, Ghana should find a balance between both policies by:

• Improving NHIS funding to ensure accessible healthcare for all.
• Maintaining Free SHS but improving quality through better infrastructure and teacher training.
• Exploring ways to generate revenue to sustain both programs.

Both Free SHS and free medical care are essential for Ghana’s development. While Free SHS prepares future leaders, free healthcare ensures a healthy population capable of contributing to the nation’s progress. Instead of choosing one over the other, Ghana should work towards sustaining and improving both for a better future.