Health investment beginning to improve access to care – Akandoh
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, says increased government spending on healthcare is beginning to improve access to services, as the government rolls out measures to strengthen primary healthcare and expand health infrastructure.
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, highlighted that increased government spending on healthcare is starting to enhance access to services. In Accra, Akandoh addressed a Health Sector Update Engagement, detailing measures to bolster primary healthcare and develop health infrastructure.
Akandoh stated that systems have been put in place to monitor spending, ensuring allocated funds produce tangible results. The government has allocated GH¢32 billion for the health sector in 2026, deeming healthcare investment as a priority rather than an expense.
He further emphasized the expansion of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare program, currently operational in 135 districts and 4,500 health facilities. The initiative aims to cover 150 districts by year-end. Akandoh urged the public to utilize these services for early disease detection, prevention, and treatment.
To address challenges in remote areas, 7,000 motorbikes and tricycles have been distributed to frontline health workers. Additionally, about 8,000 more health professionals have been assigned to support healthcare delivery, especially at the primary and rural levels.
Regarding funding, Akandoh disclosed that the government has already disbursed GH¢2.1 billion in National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) claims to public, private, and mission healthcare providers. The NHIL's uncapping will allow more funds to go directly to patient care.
Beyond funding, the President has committed to building six 160-bed regional hospitals, with construction already underway in the Oti, Western North, and Savannah regions. A digital bed management system is being introduced to optimize bed allocation and management in emergency units, aiming to tackle the persistent "no bed syndrome" in emergency departments.
Other planned government projects include a 400-bed mother and child facility at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in 2027 and two new cardiology centers, one in the Western Region. The engagement drew development partners, principal officers, nursing trainees, health sector unions, and traditional leaders.
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