The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Bampoe, has disclosed that coverage under Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has increased from 57 per cent to 66 per cent as of 2025.

Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, April 14, Dr Bampoe said the gains were made under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.

“The NHIS, at the time we took office, the coverage was 57%; last year [2025], we pushed it to 66%. But it means 34% of Ghanaians are not covered,” he said.

He further highlighted the financial burden on households, noting that a significant portion of healthcare expenditure is still borne directly by patients.

“Thirty per cent of all the spending in the healthcare setting is actually out of pocket,” he added.

Dr Bampoe’s comments come as the government prepares to roll out its Free Primary Healthcare policy, aimed at improving access to basic health services across the country.

The policy will target services delivered at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres and polyclinics, with a strong emphasis on preventive and promotive care.

The NHIS, managed by the National Health Insurance Authority, was introduced in 2003 to replace the “cash-and-carry” system and to provide equitable access to healthcare. Over the years, it has become a central pillar of Ghana’s healthcare financing system, covering a broad range of outpatient and inpatient services.

Despite these gains, the scheme continues to face challenges, including funding constraints, delays in claims payments and gaps in coverage—particularly among informal sector workers.

The government expects the Free Primary Healthcare policy to complement the NHIS by reducing out-of-pocket costs and expanding access to essential services, especially at the community level.