The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has clarified that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) remains a key pillar of Ghana’s healthcare system, despite the upcoming rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare policy.
He explained that the new initiative is not intended to replace the NHIS but to complement it by expanding access to basic healthcare services at the primary level.
Addressing journalists on Monday, April 13, 2026, the Minister said the Free Primary Healthcare policy will focus on services provided at CHPS compounds, health centres, and polyclinics, with an emphasis on promotive and preventive care.
However, he stressed that the NHIS will continue to play a critical role in covering more advanced medical care, particularly cases that require referral to higher-level facilities.
“There is a clear difference between the Free Primary Healthcare and the NHIS subscriber. We have clearly defined those facilities: CHPS Compounds, Health Centres, Polyclinics, promotive and preventive.
“So when you are supposed to be referred to a District Hospital, Regional Hospital, Teaching Hospitals, or Quaternary level, it is your National Health Insurance that will save you. So the NHIS is still relevant,” he said.
He further encouraged all uninsured persons to enroll in the NHIS, describing it as an essential safety net within the country’s healthcare system, even with the introduction of the new policy.
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