NHIS coverage rises to 66% in 2025, gaps remain - NHIA boss

Dr. Victor Bampoe, Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority, disclosed that coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) increased from 57 per cent to 66 per cent in 2025. He said, "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."

Dr. Bampoe attributed the improvement to efforts made under the administration of John Dramani Mahama, but noted that a significant portion of the population remains uncovered. He revealed that about 30 per cent of healthcare spending is still paid out-of-pocket by patients. The NHIS was introduced in 2003 to replace the cash-and-carry system.

His comments come ahead of the rollout of the government's Free Primary Healthcare policy, which aims to expand access to essential health services, particularly at CHPS compounds, health centres, and polyclinics.