STAR Ghana Foundation Welcomes Uncapping of National Health Insurance Levy

The STAR Ghana Foundation supports the government’s uncapping of the NHIS levy, seeing it as crucial for health financing. This decision will benefit private hospitals and free primary healthcare. The organization is developing a manifesto tracker to monitor government commitments and ensure accountability in healthcare improvements for Ghana.

The STAR Ghana Foundation has expressed its support for Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s decision to uncap the National Health Insurance (NHIS) levy, highlighting it as a pivotal development for healthcare financing in Ghana. Raymond Danso, Portfolio Manager for Right to Services at STAR-Ghana Foundation, emphasized that this decision will significantly benefit private hospitals and free primary healthcare initiatives, ensuring adequate funding in the health sector.

Additionally, in the 2025 budget announcement, the government confirmed the allocation of funds to vital sectors including the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and the Road Fund. Dr. Ato Forson noted that the removal of the cap on GETFund is projected to generate an extra GH¢4.1 billion to support sustainable financing for the Free Senior High School (SHS) program and education initiatives for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

In a recent conference on governmental commitments in health, Mr. Danso reiterated the importance of the uncapped NHIS levy, stating it will ensure timely reimbursements for private healthcare providers, further bolstering the government’s efforts towards free primary healthcare and other health interventions planned for the next four years. He expressed enthusiasm regarding the integration of advocacy efforts into the budget, reflecting shared objectives with other partners.

He emphasized ongoing monitoring and advocacy efforts are essential for translating these financial commitments into tangible improvements for Ghana’s healthcare framework. The STAR-Ghana Foundation is working towards a manifesto tracker to facilitate systematic oversight of government commitments made in the health sector, ensuring accountability and fostering evidence-based dialogue with policymakers.

Organized with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the convening aimed to bolster civil society organizations’ roles in monitoring government actions concerning healthcare services, developing strategies to ensure adherence to commitments, and enhancing collective advocacy efforts. Mr. Danso concluded by highlighting the key themes and interventions that will be monitored as part of the Foundation’s commitment to support the government in realizing its healthcare vision.

In conclusion, STAR Ghana Foundation’s endorsement of the uncap on the NHIS levy signifies a transformative step forward in Ghana’s health financing landscape. With enhanced funding for private hospitals and primary healthcare, this decision will aid in fulfilling the government’s healthcare objectives. The establishment of a manifesto tracker will further bolster accountability and advocacy, ensuring that progress in the health sector is comprehensively monitored and evaluated.

Original Source: 3news.com