2027 Budget: GH¢40.3bn allocated to Health Ministry for hospitals, NHIS and healthcare delivery

The government has allocated GH¢40.3 billion to the Ministry of Health in the 2027 Budget to strengthen healthcare delivery, expand medical infrastructure and support health workers and institutions across the country.

The allocation includes GH¢10.2 billion for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), GH¢2.6 billion for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, and billions of cedis for the construction and completion of hospitals.

Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, announced the allocations while presenting the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament.

He said the funding was intended to support both the people and facilities on which healthcare delivery depends, with government prioritising access to healthcare, infrastructure development, emergency response and maternal and child health.

A significant portion of the allocation has been earmarked for major hospital infrastructure projects, including the construction of two specialist hospitals, six regional hospitals, a new mother and child centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and two district hospitals.

Dr Forson said GH¢6.8 billion had been allocated to commence work on these facilities as part of efforts to expand specialised healthcare services and improve access to medical care across the country.

Government has also set aside GH¢1 billion for the completion of the Eastern and Western Regional Hospitals, while another GH¢1 billion will support the completion of 35 district hospitals under the Agenda 111 programme.

The allocations form part of the government's broader plans to strengthen the country's healthcare infrastructure and improve the capacity of health facilities to serve growing populations.

On healthcare financing, the Finance Minister announced GH¢10.2 billion for the National Health Insurance Scheme to support its operations and strengthen access to healthcare services for beneficiaries.

An additional GH¢2.6 billion has been allocated to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as MahamaCares, which is intended to support the treatment of people with serious medical conditions.

The combined GH¢12.8 billion allocation to the two schemes represents a significant component of the government's planned expenditure on healthcare financing.

Dr Forson said GH¢1 billion had been earmarked for the completion of the Eastern and Western Regional Hospitals.

The funding is expected to support the outstanding construction works required to bring the two facilities closer to completion and expand regional healthcare infrastructure.

Another GH¢1 billion has been allocated towards completing 35 district hospitals under Agenda 111.

The programme is aimed at expanding access to healthcare infrastructure at the district level, reducing geographical barriers to medical services and strengthening the country's healthcare delivery system.

The government has also allocated GH¢60 million for the completion of the La General Hospital.

In addition, GH¢70 million has been earmarked to support psychiatric hospitals across the country.

Dr Forson further announced GH¢20 million to operationalise the Mental Health Fund, which is expected to strengthen support for people living with mental health conditions.

He said the provision was intended to improve care for people who often struggle to have their needs adequately addressed.

The allocations are expected to complement broader efforts to improve mental healthcare and provide additional support to psychiatric institutions.

As part of efforts to strengthen emergency medical response, the government has allocated GH¢200 million for the procurement of ambulances.

The investment is expected to support emergency transportation and improve the capacity of the health sector to respond to medical emergencies.

Another GH¢100 million has been set aside for the procurement and delivery of life-saving childhood and maternal vaccines.

The provision is intended to support immunisation programmes and protect mothers and children against preventable diseases.

The Finance Minister also announced funding to support nursing education and the welfare of trainee nurses.

He said GH¢40 million had been allocated for the construction of two nursing training colleges.

A further GH¢434 million has been earmarked for nursing trainee allowances.

The funding is expected to support the training of healthcare personnel and provide financial assistance to trainees as they prepare to join the country's health workforce.

In a further intervention targeting maternal and child health, Dr Forson announced that the government had set aside GH¢275 million for the Obstetrics Emergencies and Maternal and Child Health Project.

The funding is expected to support interventions aimed at improving healthcare for pregnant women, mothers and children, particularly in addressing obstetric emergencies.

The allocation complements the planned construction of a new mother and child centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and the provision of maternal and childhood vaccines.

The government has also allocated GH¢11 million to the e-Health Project to support the use of digital systems in healthcare delivery.

The funding is expected to advance the application of digital technology in the health sector as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare administration and service delivery.

Overall, the GH¢40.3 billion allocation to the Ministry of Health represents the government's planned investment in healthcare financing, hospital infrastructure, emergency medical services, mental healthcare, health worker training and maternal and child health.