Parliament on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, approved a budget of GHC9.2 billion for the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for the year 2026.
The Fund will be used to cover healthcare services for members of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
In addition, the NHIF is set to finance approved administrative expenses necessary for the efficient management and operation of the Scheme.
The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) is the financial backbone of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana. It is managed by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to ensure that citizens and residents have access to affordable healthcare services.
Purpose of the Fund:
To finance healthcare services for members of the NHIS, covering consultations, treatments, medications, and medical procedures approved under the scheme.
To support the operational and administrative costs of running the NHIS efficiently.
To provide financial sustainability for the NHIS, enabling long-term access to healthcare for all insured persons.
Funding Sources:
Government allocations: Parliament approves annual budgets for the Fund. For example, 9.2 billion Ghana Cedis was approved for 2026.
NHIS contributions: Premiums paid by subscribers and registration fees.
Levies: Certain taxes, such as the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) contribute directly to the Fund.
Donor support: Grants and loans from international partners and development agencies.
Functions of the NHIF:
Pay healthcare providers for services rendered to insured members.
Cover administrative expenses of the NHIS, including staff salaries, operational costs, and technological systems.
Ensure financial protection for Ghanaians against high out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
Support expansion of healthcare access across regions, including rural and underserved areas.
Impact:
Provides affordable healthcare to millions of Ghanaians, reducing the financial burden of medical costs.
Helps achieve universal health coverage (UHC), a key goal of Ghana’s health policy.
Strengthens the healthcare system by ensuring timely payment to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals.
