NHIS active membership rises to 70% in 2026 - Health Minister

Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has increased its active membership from 56.3 per cent in 2024 to 70 per cent as of August 2026, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced.

Mr Akandoh disclosed the figures during a Health Sector Update Engagement with the media and key stakeholders, attributing the growth to government measures to improve the scheme’s financial position and expand access to healthcare.

He said the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy had provided additional funding to help the scheme meet its obligations to healthcare providers.

Government funding for the NHIS rose from about GH¢6.5 billion in 2024 to GH¢9.8 billion in 2025, leading to an average 50 per cent increase in payments to healthcare providers, the minister said.

He added that GH¢2.1 billion had been paid in NHIS claims between January and September 2026 to support healthcare facilities and reduce delays in claims settlement.

On primary healthcare, Mr Akandoh said the government was expanding the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, currently being implemented in 135 districts, with plans to extend it across the country.

He also outlined ongoing infrastructure and equipment interventions, including efforts to complete 35 Agenda 111 hospital projects and work on three regional hospitals. The government has also procured 24,534 pieces of medical equipment to improve healthcare delivery.

Emergency medical services are receiving attention, with 220 ambulances insured and operational. The minister said plans were in place to procure another 100 ambulances in 2027.

In addition, progress has been made in six post-basic specialist nursing programmes involving more than 600 students. An electronic bed management system is also being developed to improve the coordination and use of hospital beds.

Mr Akandoh said the measures formed part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s health system, improve access to quality healthcare and advance the country’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.