Health News from Ghana

The latest health news from Ghana, curated from the country's leading newsrooms and updated through the day. Newest stories first.

Early screening key to beating breast cancer
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President Mahama Advocates for Health Sovereignty as Ghana Intensifies Medical Recruitment and Disease Awareness Campaigns

President John Mahama has called on African leaders to prioritize health sovereignty as a critical economic investment rather than a charitable expense. Speaking at the Alamein Africa Forum in Egypt, the President emphasized that the continent must reduce its heavy reliance on imported pharmaceuticals and foster local manufacturing to ensure healthcare security. He introduced the Health Investment and National Gateway (HINGE) initiative, designed to streamline sector regulations and attract private capital. This high-level call for sustainable health financing aligns with recent demands from nutrition experts in Accra, who have urged the government to convert nutrition commitments into actionable budgets, particularly to fund Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation for pregnant women and vulnerable groups. In a direct effort to strengthen the national health workforce, the Ministry of Health has announced a mop-up recruitment exercise to fill 432 vacancies for health professionals who failed to report to their initial assignments. Scheduled for October 2026, the recruitment includes 266 nursing slots in teaching hospitals and 36 positions for pharmacy professionals. This expansion of the workforce comes at a critical time as medical experts warn of rising health crises among younger populations. Dr. Kow Entsua-Mensah, Director of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, revealed that Ghanaians in their 30s and 50s are increasingly dying from cardiovascular diseases, often remaining unaware of their condition until it is too late. He urged the public to adopt regular health checks and healthy lifestyles to combat this trend. Simultaneously, government and community leaders are intensifying efforts to combat chronic and infectious diseases through awareness and early detection. The Minister of Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, recently shared a personal account of losing a sister to breast cancer to encourage ministry staff to prioritize regular screenings. This advocacy is mirrored in the community-level work of CIC Ghana, which marked World Rabies Day by educating hundreds of schoolchildren in Agbogba on dog bite prevention and immediate wound care. These educational efforts are complemented by the harrowing story of a 27-year-old kidney failure patient, Gifty, whose struggles highlight the urgent need for better mental health and financial support systems for those battling long-term illnesses. On the preventative health front, the Adolescent Girls’ Programme (AGP)—supported by UNFPA, UNICEF, and Global Affairs Canada—is yielding significant results in the Central Tongu District. Local schools reported a dramatic drop in teenage pregnancies, reaching zero cases this year at the Mafi-Kumase Comboni R.C. School. This success is attributed to increased community engagement and reproductive health education. Additionally, health experts are emphasizing personal protective measures, such as hearing conservation, noting that everyday activities like headphone use and loud events can cause irreversible damage to ear hair cells. Collectively, these initiatives reflect a shift toward a more proactive, locally-funded, and preventative healthcare model for Ghana.

Zenith Bank supports Childhood Cancer Unit at Greater Accra Regional Hospital
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Zenith Bank and Phyto-Riker Pharmaceuticals Support Maternal and Pediatric Healthcare with Major Donations

In a significant boost to Ghana's healthcare sector, Zenith Bank Ghana and Phyto-Riker Pharmaceuticals have announced substantial donations aimed at improving outcomes for pediatric cancer patients and maternal health services. These contributions, made as part of respective corporate social responsibility initiatives, address critical funding gaps in public health facilities during key institutional milestones. While Zenith Bank provided a cash donation of GH"150,000 to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Phyto-Riker Pharmaceuticals donated essential medical equipment and supplies to the Tamale West Hospital as it celebrates a century of service to the northern region. Zenith Bank's contribution focuses on the Childhood Cancer Unit at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. Partnering with the non-governmental organization Cure Childhood Cancer Ghana, the bank’s GH"150,000 donation is intended to alleviate the severe financial strain on families whose children are undergoing treatment. Managing Director Henry Onwuzurigbo emphasized that the gesture reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups as it marks its 21st anniversary in Ghana. Dr. Leslie Issa Adam Zakaria, the hospital’s Medical Director, and Dr. Nihad Salifu from the NGO highlighted that such support is vital for ensuring early detection and consistent treatment, which are often hindered by high costs. Simultaneously, in the Northern Region, Phyto-Riker Pharmaceuticals has supported the 100th-anniversary celebrations of the Tamale West Hospital. The company donated a range of gynaecological beds, various medicines, and cash to bolster the facility's capacity for maternal and child care. Nathaniel Palm, Head of Sales and Marketing at Phyto-Riker, noted that the donation aligns with the centennial theme: "100 years of care and compassion: brighter future for maternal & child health." This support is particularly timely as the hospital reflects on its historical legacy while seeking to modernize its services for the next century. These dual interventions underscore the growing importance of private-public partnerships in sustaining Ghana's medical infrastructure. By targeting specialized areas such as oncology and maternal health, corporate entities are providing lifelines to patients who might otherwise face insurmountable medical bills or inadequate facility resources. As these healthcare institutions continue to provide essential services, the integration of corporate philanthropy remains a crucial pillar in the national effort to achieve better health outcomes for all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable children and mothers.

Ahafo Region Secures Universal Health Coverage Milestone as NHIA Expands Infrastructure in Banda
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Ahafo Region Secures Universal Health Coverage Milestone as NHIA Expands Infrastructure in Banda

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has marked significant progress in its mission to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across Ghana, highlighted by the Ahafo Region's second consecutive year of meeting UHC targets. By the end of 2025, the Ahafo Region achieved an impressive 87% population coverage, surpassing its established performance targets by 110%. This milestone reflects a broader national effort to decentralize health insurance services and integrate innovative technologies to improve service delivery and accountability in the healthcare sector. During the inauguration of the new Asunafo South district office, NHIA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe commended the region for its leadership in health insurance penetration. He noted that Ahafo has become a pioneer in the implementation of the One-Time Attendance Code (OTAC) system. This digital solution is designed to enhance transparency, reduce the potential for fraudulent claims, and ensure that healthcare providers are held accountable for patient visits. Dr. Bampoe emphasized that while the 87% coverage is a historic achievement, the authority remains committed to registering eligible residents in the most remote areas to ensure no one is left behind. In a parallel development in the Bono Region, the long-standing challenge of healthcare accessibility for the people of Banda has been addressed with the commissioning of a new NHIS district office complex. Prior to this intervention, residents were forced to undertake a grueling four-hour journey to Nsawkaw to access insurance services. The new facility, constructed through the initiative of Member of Parliament Ahmed Ibrahim, includes a dedicated vehicle and motorbikes to facilitate outreach programs. These logistics are expected to significantly boost registration numbers by allowing NHIS officials to reach rural communities that were previously cut off from basic administrative support. These advancements align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on health, poverty reduction, and the elimination of inequality. By reducing travel times and implementing more rigorous fraud detection systems, the NHIA is strengthening the financial sustainability of the scheme while expanding its reach. Moving forward, authorities have pledged continued resource allocation to support these new offices, ensuring that the momentum gained in regions like Ahafo can be replicated nationwide to secure affordable healthcare for all Ghanaians.

Dr De-Gaulle Dogbatsey honoured for pioneering prostate care
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Dr. De-Gaulle Moses Dogbatsey Honoured Among Top 100 Ghanaian Health Legends of 2026

Dr. De-Gaulle Moses Dogbatsey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Medi-Moses Clinic and Prostate Centre, has been formally recognized as one of the 100 Ghana Legendary Dignitaries in Health for 2026. This prestigious honor was conferred during an awards ceremony held at the Palms By Eagles Hotel in Accra, organized by The Business Executive. The accolade celebrates Dr. Dogbatsey’s transformative impact on the healthcare sector, particularly through his dedication to advancing medical excellence and innovation within Ghana and the broader African continent. A distinguished alumnus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and a former senior medical officer at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Dr. Dogbatsey has built a formidable medical legacy. Under his leadership, the Medi-Moses Clinic and Prostate Centre has expanded to five branches across Ghana, providing specialized care to over one million patients. The clinic has become a hub for men’s health, specifically targeting the treatment of enlarged prostates and related conditions through a blend of modern medical practices and traditional insights. Dr. Dogbatsey is particularly acclaimed for his pioneering work in plant-based medicine and non-invasive treatment protocols. He has successfully bridged the gap between orthodox and traditional medicine, developing globally recognized products such as the Prostatcure Herbal Tea. Award organizers praised him as a visionary entrepreneur whose innovative herbal formulations offer effective alternatives for managing prostate issues. His contributions are seen as a significant advancement in African healthcare, promoting indigenous solutions for complex medical challenges. The recognition as a "Legendary Dignitary" underscores the growing importance of integration in healthcare, where plant-based innovations are increasingly validated alongside conventional treatments. By honoring leaders like Dr. Dogbatsey, the ceremony highlighted the role of medical entrepreneurship in improving patient outcomes and expanding access to specialized care. This distinction cements his status as a leading figure in Ghana’s medical landscape, setting a benchmark for future practitioners in the field of urological health and natural medicine.

MP Mohammed Issah Bataglia Urges Swift Action After Yellow Fever Outbreak Kills Seven in Sissala East
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MP Mohammed Issah Bataglia Urges Swift Action After Yellow Fever Outbreak Kills Seven in Sissala East

A confirmed outbreak of Yellow Fever in the Sissala East Municipality of the Upper West Region has resulted in at least seven deaths, sparking widespread alarm among residents and local leaders. According to reports from the Municipal Health Directorate, the outbreak has disproportionately affected children and young people between the ages of 0 and 25. The fatalities have highlighted the vulnerability of the local population to the mosquito-borne viral disease, prompting calls for immediate medical stabilization and containment efforts to prevent further loss of life. Local leaders have expressed deep concern over the rapid progression of the disease within the community. A Fulani chief in the area described a harrowing situation where the first victim, a child, passed away shortly after being referred for medical treatment. As more children succumbed to the illness, the chief escalated the matter to health officials and the Tumu Traditional Council to ensure the gravity of the situation was understood at the highest levels of local governance. The atmosphere in the municipality remains tense as families fear further casualties among the youth population. Member of Parliament for Sissala East, Mohammed Issah Bataglia, has formally intervened, describing the loss of life as worrying and unacceptable. Mr. Bataglia has reportedly been in contact with local health authorities to seek clarification on the scale of the outbreak and the specific resources required for an effective response. He is advocating for a robust public education campaign to inform residents about prevention measures and the importance of seeking early medical attention, while urging the national health authorities to deploy urgent interventions to manage the crisis. The outbreak underscores the critical need for strengthened surveillance and vaccination coverage in rural municipalities like Sissala East. As health officials work to contain the spread, the focus remains on identifying the source of the infection and ensuring that life-saving interventions are accessible to those most at risk. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by Yellow Fever and the necessity of proactive public health management to prevent localized outbreaks from escalating into regional epidemics.

A vibrant vector illustration featuring three diverse young women sitting together in a show of solidarity. The central figure, wearing a hijab and glasses, holds a white placard with the message "PROTECT OUR HEALTH, EDUCATION, & FUTURES."
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Plan International Study Reveals Climate Disasters Drive Surge in Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy Among Girls

A comprehensive global study by Plan International has sounded the alarm on the disproportionate impact of climate change on young women, revealing that climate-related disasters are significantly increasing girls' vulnerability to child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence. Analyzing health and climate data from 52 low- and middle-income countries, the research demonstrates how environmental shocks like floods, droughts, and heatwaves do more than damage infrastructure; they dismantle the social protections and essential services that keep girls safe. The study highlights that these disasters are not just environmental crises, but human rights crises that specifically target the progress of the girl-child. The empirical findings of the study paint a stark picture of the secondary consequences of the climate crisis. One in ten girls surveyed reported experiencing an unintended pregnancy directly linked to climate events, while 33% observed an increase in unintended pregnancies within their wider communities. The data also highlights a disturbing trend in early unions, with 36% of respondents noting an uptick in child marriages following climate disasters. Furthermore, access to healthcare remains a critical hurdle; while 76% of girls overall struggle to reach health services, this figure surges to 84% among those living through severe drought conditions. Education serves as a primary buffer against these risks, yet it is often the first casualty of environmental instability. According to the report, girls whose education is disrupted by climate events are twice as likely to be married young or face unintended pregnancies compared to those who remain in school. When schools close due to weather-related damage or when families pull daughters out of education to assist with survival during economic crises caused by crop failure, the protective environment of the classroom is lost, leaving girls exposed to exploitation and early domestic burdens. In light of these findings, Plan International CEO Reena Ghelani and the research team are calling for an urgent shift in global climate policy. The study emphasizes that climate action initiatives must move beyond carbon targets to prioritize the specific health, education, and protection needs of girls, particularly during humanitarian emergencies. Advocates argue that unless climate response strategies are made gender-sensitive, the progress made over decades in girls' rights and reproductive health risks being reversed by the increasing frequency and intensity of global climate shocks.

Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference, is seen speaking into a microphone during a meeting. He wears a white cassock with red accents and a magenta skullcap, seated at a desk with bottled water and a Ministry of Health logo visible in the corner.
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Ghana Catholic Bishops Urge Crackdown on Tramadol and Marijuana Abuse to Protect Youth

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has issued a stern call to government authorities and law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts in combating the rising tide of drug abuse across the country. Led by their President, Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, the bishops emphasized that the current national strategy is insufficient as it often prioritizes high-profile narcotics while overlooking more pervasive threats. The clergy specifically highlighted the alarming proliferation of tramadol and marijuana, which have become increasingly accessible to young people in communities throughout Ghana. According to Most Rev. Gyamfi, focusing exclusively on cocaine and other high-profile narcotics risks neglecting the drugs that are currently causing the most widespread damage to Ghanaian youth. While international trafficking of cocaine remains a significant concern, the bishops argued that the everyday availability of pharmaceutical opioids like tramadol and local substances like marijuana presents a more immediate and systemic crisis. They noted that these substances are often sold illegally in open markets and through unregulated channels, contributing to a visible decline in the social and mental well-being of the younger generation. To address this growing menace, the GCBC is advocating for a multi-pronged approach that includes legislative reform and more aggressive enforcement. The bishops are calling for the enactment of stronger laws that specifically target the illegal importation and distribution networks of these substances. Beyond policing, the conference stressed the importance of a comprehensive national response that integrates public health education with law enforcement to dismantle the supply chains that make these drugs so readily available on the streets. The bishops warned that without decisive and immediate action, the social fallout from drug abuse could have long-lasting consequences for Ghana’s national development. They urged the government to prioritize the protection of the youth, who are the most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of addiction. By mitigating the social repercussions of drug-related problems today, the GCBC believes the nation can safeguard its future human capital and maintain the stability of the social fabric of Ghanaian society.

A group of Ghanaian health professionals and officials posing for a photograph in front of a multi-story medical facility. The group includes nurses in white uniforms and individuals in formal attire, representing a collaborative gathering within the healthcare sector under the Ministry of Health.
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Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh Boosts Weija-Gbawe Hospital Staffing, Warns AI Cannot Replace Human Compassion

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has reaffirmed that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technology are vital tools for healthcare efficiency, they can never substitute for the human compassion and dignity essential to patient recovery. Speaking during an unannounced visit to the Weija-Gbawe Children’s Specialist Hospital, the Minister emphasized that the "human touch" remains the cornerstone of medical practice. He noted that while AI can assist health professionals by easing their heavy workloads, the essential connection between a caregiver and a patient must be preserved to ensure high-quality outcomes. To support the growing demands of the facility, which officially commenced operations on August 17, 2026, Minister Akandoh announced the immediate deployment of 40 additional medical personnel. This new cohort, consisting of 10 doctors and 30 nurses, is intended to strengthen the hospital’s workforce and enhance its service delivery capacity. The Minister also expressed satisfaction with the facility's operations and its recent accreditation under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), a move expected to significantly broaden healthcare access for families within the municipality and beyond. The Weija-Gbawe Children’s Specialist Hospital currently serves as a 120-bed secondary-level referral center. According to the Acting Medical Superintendent, Dr. Nana Okine Brago, the facility is making strategic plans to introduce full inpatient services in the near future. The Minister’s visit is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Health to conduct on-site assessments of public health facilities, addressing operational challenges and ensuring that standards of respect and dignity are maintained across the sector. Minister Akandoh concluded by reiterating the government's commitment to bridging the gap between technological advancement and patient-centered service. By integrating AI to assist health professionals while maintaining a primary focus on the human element of care, the Ministry aims to create a more resilient and empathetic healthcare system. This visit underscores the state's ongoing efforts to improve public health infrastructure and ensure that every Ghanaian has access to quality, compassionate medical services.

German and US scientists win Nobel medicine prize for work on optogenetics
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Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel Win 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine for Optogenetics Breakthroughs

The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute has awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to American scientist Karl Deisseroth and German researchers Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel. The trio was honored for their pioneering work in optogenetics, a revolutionary technique that uses light to control the activity of nerve cells. This discovery has transformed neuroscience by allowing researchers to observe and manipulate the specific neural circuits that govern memories, emotions, and complex behaviors in living organisms with unprecedented precision. The foundation of their work lies in the discovery and application of channelrhodopsin, a light-sensitive protein originally found in algae. By incorporating these proteins into neurons, the researchers created "light-controlled switches" for brain cells. This breakthrough has paved the way for profound medical advancements, including the potential to restore vision in blind patients and the development of new treatments for a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The Nobel Foundation highlighted that the laureates' contributions have provided the scientific community with essential tools to decode the functional architecture of the brain. In celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Nobel Prizes, the award amount for 2026 was increased to 12 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.2 million). The winners expressed significant surprise and gratitude upon receiving the news; Dr. Deisseroth described the honor as a profound recognition of their collective effort, while Dr. Nagel received the call while on vacation in Italy. The laureates emphasized that their success was the result of a long and challenging scientific journey, requiring decades of perseverance to translate basic biological observations into a transformative research methodology. This announcement marks the beginning of the 2026 Nobel season, with further prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace, and Economics scheduled for reveal throughout the following week. The formal award ceremony will take place on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. As the global scientific community celebrates these achievements, the focus remains on the expanding applications of optogenetics, which continues to drive innovation in medical research and the ongoing pursuit of understanding the complexities of the human mind.

A laboratory researcher dressed in full personal protective equipment (PPE), including a white hazmat suit, face mask, and safety goggles, is shown operating a microscope. This close-up shot emphasizes the intense and precise nature of high-risk biological research in a clinical setting.
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Siberian Health Authorities Quarantine Dozens Following Death of Researcher Darya Shipilova

Health authorities in Siberia have implemented strict regional quarantines and isolation measures following the death of Darya Shipilova, a 28-year-old laboratory technician at the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute. Ms. Shipilova passed away from what was initially diagnosed as pneumonia of unknown origin, sparking immediate fears of a potential infectious disease outbreak linked to her specialized work. While Russian officials have moved to reassure the public that the situation is under control, the nature of her workplace—a facility dedicated to studying highly infectious pathogens—has led to significant local and international scrutiny. In response to the fatality, nearly 200 individuals who were in contact with the deceased have been placed under medical observation. Local authorities have also quarantined several medical facilities and implemented rigorous anti-epidemic protocols in the Shelekhov region. Despite the severity of these measures, the Russian consumer safety watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, maintains that exhaustive testing has found no hazardous microorganisms in Ms. Shipilova’s samples that could be linked to her professional duties. Officials have described the current epidemiological situation as stable, though they continue to investigate the precise cause of the fatal illness. The incident has triggered a wave of anxiety within the local community, exacerbated by conflicting reports and rumors regarding a possible plague infection. In response, regional government representatives have issued repeated calls for calm, urging citizens to rely exclusively on official updates rather than speculation. Health experts have highlighted the necessity of maintaining strict biosecurity protocols at research institutes, noting that the rapid isolation of contacts is a standard precautionary measure for deaths of "unknown origin" occurring in high-stakes laboratory environments. On the global stage, the World Health Organization (WHO) and international governments, including the United States, are closely monitoring the developments in Siberia. While these organizations are maintaining open lines of communication with Russian health officials to assess potential risks, they currently deem the public health threat to the general population as low. For now, the focus remains on the continued monitoring of quarantined individuals and the completion of a full forensic and pathological investigation to determine exactly what led to the young researcher’s death.

Kenya Confirms First Fatal Ebola Case as Regional Health Concerns Mount Over Rare Strain
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Kenya Confirms First Fatal Ebola Case as Regional Health Concerns Mount Over Rare Strain

Kenya has recorded its first-ever fatal case of Ebola, marking a significant escalation in regional efforts to contain the virus. Health Minister Aden Duale confirmed that the deceased was a Kenyan national who had been residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for seven years. After falling ill, the individual traveled from the DRC through Uganda to Nairobi, where he eventually succumbed to the virus at Nairobi Hospital. This development makes Kenya the fourth nation to report a case in the current epidemic, which has already claimed more than 4,000 lives in the DRC this year alone. Medical laboratory tests confirmed that the patient was infected with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare species for which there is currently no approved vaccine. Health officials revealed that the patient had sought treatment at multiple facilities within the DRC before traveling to Kenya. Despite displaying symptoms of hemorrhagic fever, the individual was not flagged by airport screenings during his journey through Uganda and into Nairobi. This lapse has prompted experts to call for more rigorous cross-border health surveillance and improved diagnostic protocols at international points of entry. In immediate response to the fatality, the Kenyan Ministry of Health has initiated aggressive contact tracing and quarantine measures. Authorities have identified 28 direct contacts, including medical staff and relatives, along with 23 passengers who traveled on the same flight as the deceased. These individuals are being monitored closely to prevent further transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized this current outbreak as one of the fastest-growing in history, emphasizing that containment efforts are critical to preventing a wider international crisis. The situation in Kenya follows a recent outbreak in neighboring Uganda, which was declared Ebola-free in August after recording 20 cases and two deaths. However, the persistence of the virus in the DRC and its emergence in Nairobi highlight the fragile nature of regional health security. Public health experts stress that until the epidemic in the DRC is fully contained, neighboring countries must remain on high alert, prioritizing regional cooperation and the sharing of epidemiological data to safeguard populations against the rare and deadly Bundibugyo strain.

A photograph of Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, the Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), standing in front of the official NHIS logo. He is wearing a black button-down shirt and blue-tinted sunglasses while positioned against a wall featuring the slogan 'Your access to healthcare'.
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NHIA Disburses GH¢382.85 Million in Claims to Bolster Healthcare Access and Provider Confidence

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced the disbursement of GH¢382.85 million to healthcare providers across the country for services rendered to National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) members. This payment, released in September 2026, brings the total amount of claims paid by the Authority for the year to GH¢2.115 billion. The timely release of these funds is part of a strategic effort to ensure that healthcare facilities remain liquid and that members can access essential medical services without facing financial hurdles at the point of care. A detailed breakdown of the disbursement reveals that public healthcare facilities received the largest share, totaling GH¢197.32 million, or 51.54% of the payment. Private healthcare providers were allocated GH¢128.95 million (33.68%), while mission-based facilities received GH¢56.58 million (14.7%). NHIA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, emphasized that these consistent payments are vital for maintaining trust between the Authority and its partners, ensuring that the healthcare delivery chain remains uninterrupted by financial delays. In addition to the claims payment, the NHIA highlighted a significant 50% increase in service tariffs that took effect in August 2026. This adjustment was designed to help healthcare providers cope with the rising costs of medical supplies and operations, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of service delivery for NHIS subscribers. Dr. Bampoe reiterated that with these improved tariffs and prompt claim settlements, there is no justification for healthcare facilities to engage in "co-payments"—the practice of charging NHIS members for services and medicines already covered under the scheme. By prioritizing financial sustainability and provider support, the NHIA aims to eliminate the illegal charging of patients and strengthen the overall healthcare infrastructure in Ghana. The Authority has signaled that it will continue to monitor service delivery closely to ensure that the increased financial support translates into better outcomes for patients. This move aligns with the broader government goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage by reducing out-of-pocket expenses for the Ghanaian public.