Benjamin Oppong-Twumasi
The Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR) has welcomed the 2025 budget for the health sector as a positive step, particularly with the increased funding. However, ARHR Programmes Manager for Policy and Budget Advocacy, Benjamin Oppong-Twumasi, has emphasized the need for clarification on fund allocation, specifically seeking transparency on how the allocated funds will be distributed and utilised within the health sector.
According to him, the government’s decision to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) is a significant step, as it aligns with the Alliance’s advocacy efforts. However, concerns arise with the introduction of new policies, which may divert a significant portion of the allocated funds, exacerbating existing challenges, including unpaid claims.
He said this at the meeting organized by the ARHR to discuss the key findings from the 2025 Health budget analysis.
Regarding the distribution of free sanitary pads, the Alliance commends the government’s initiative, but highlights the lack of a clear implementation plan.
“While the government has announced the allocation of funds for this policy, details such as the agency responsible for distribution, the source of the pads, and the quantity to be provided to each girl remain unclear. The Alliance seeks transparency and clarity on these matters to ensure effective implementation,” he underscored.
Assistant Programmes Officer for Budget and Policy Advocacy, Nana Nyarko Konadu, in her presentation stated that, a significant shift in the 2025 budget is the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) which ensures full fund allocation to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), thereby improving financial sustainability and healthcare access.
According to her, the 2025 budget demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening the health sector through a 13.4% nominal increase in allocation compared to the previous year.
Notably, this translates to the GH¢17.82 billion which has been allocated to the ministry of Health, marking a GH¢2.1 billion increase from 2024.
“The freeze on employment in the health sector further threatens service delivery by worsening staffing shortages, particularly in the rural areas,” she stressed.
Policy Recommendations
Highlighting the policy recommendations to improve health outcomes, Nana Nyarko Konadu underscored that, to address infrastructure deficits, increase funds should be allocated to capital expenditure (CaPex), adding that, the government should progressively increase the health budget towards meeting Abuja Declaration target of 15%.
Notably, to enhance healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas, she mentioned that, a dedicated funding mechanism should be established to complete the Agenda 111 projects. Additionally, the government should prioritize completing existing health facilities over initiating new projects, ensuring that investments are optimized and healthcare accessibility is increased.
“To accelerate the completion of Agenda 111 and other health projects, the government should explore public-private partnerships (PPPs) to leverage the private sector’s expertise and resources in health infrastructure development,” she added.
By Janet Odei Amponsah