Aspiring National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Edem Segbefia, has commended the health sector reforms being implemented by the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, describing them as a significant turnaround that is restoring confidence in Ghana’s healthcare system and improving access to quality healthcare across the country.
Addressing NDC grassroots members during an interactive engagement in Tamale, Dr. Segbefia stated that the Mahama administration inherited a health sector facing serious challenges, including unemployment among trained health professionals, delayed National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) reimbursements, inadequate infrastructure, staff shortages, and declining morale within the health workforce.
According to him, when the NDC government assumed office in January 2025, more than 103,000 trained health professionals were awaiting placement, while hospitals grappled with shortages of beds, medicines, and essential equipment. He noted that prolonged NHIS reimbursement delays had placed enormous financial pressure on health facilities, resulting in operational difficulties and reduced service delivery.
“The health sector was surviving on goodwill rather than sound policy. Today, we are witnessing a steady recovery through deliberate reforms under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama,” Dr. Segbefia said.
He highlighted the government’s achievements in health sector employment, noting that more than 13,500 nurses and midwives, alongside hundreds of doctors, pharmacists, and other allied health professionals, have been recruited into the public health service over the past year. These recruitments, he said, have strengthened healthcare delivery while significantly reducing unemployment among trained professionals.
Dr. Segbefia also praised the government’s efforts to improve the welfare of health workers through the restoration of nursing trainee allowances, reductions in training-related fees, the introduction of risk exposure insurance, vehicle tax waivers, and a 20 percent rural allowance for personnel serving in underserved communities. He added that accelerated promotion opportunities for staff serving in deprived areas have further boosted morale.
Touching on healthcare accessibility, he described the introduction of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme as one of the administration’s landmark interventions. Under the initiative, Ghanaians can access essential healthcare services at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, clinics, maternity homes, and polyclinics without requiring immediate NHIS membership. Patients requiring referrals to higher-level facilities are subsequently assisted to enrol onto the NHIS to minimise out-of-pocket expenses.
On health financing, Dr. Segbefia noted that the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund has injected an additional GH¢3 billion into the healthcare system, enabling the timely payment of claims to health facilities and ending the persistent reimbursement delays that previously affected service delivery. He said these reforms have strengthened the financial sustainability of healthcare institutions while reducing the financial burden on patients.
He further highlighted the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, as a major intervention to support the treatment of chronic and life-threatening illnesses.
According to him, the programme provides assistance for the treatment of several cancers, kidney disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and other non-communicable diseases that place significant financial strain on affected families.
Dr. Segbefia also underscored the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure through the completion of the Agenda 111 hospital projects in phases, while pursuing plans to construct a modern 500-bed Children’s Hospital and a national Fertility Centre in Accra. He noted that these investments are expected to improve healthcare delivery, expand bed capacity, and reduce congestion in major hospitals.
He explained that the combination of expanded healthcare infrastructure, increased recruitment of health professionals, improved worker welfare, and strengthened financing mechanisms is creating jobs, reducing healthcare costs, and extending quality healthcare to underserved communities.
Addressing party supporters, Dr. Segbefia urged NDC grassroots members to actively communicate the government’s achievements within their communities.
“More doctors, nurses and hospital beds mean faster treatment and fewer preventable deaths. Free primary healthcare and the strengthening of NHIS are reducing the financial burden on ordinary Ghanaians. Trained professionals are finally being employed, while Agenda 111 hospitals and upgraded CHPS compounds are bringing healthcare closer to our communities,” he stated.
He encouraged party faithful to remain patient and continue supporting the Mahama administration as it implements its broader healthcare transformation agenda.
“I know Ghanaians have high expectations, and rightly so. But with patience and continued support, this government will address the remaining challenges in our health sector. Let us remain united, loyal and committed to the NDC as we deliver on our promises to improve healthcare for every Ghanaian.
The health sector that was once struggling is steadily being rebuilt, and Tamale is an important part of that transformation,” Dr. Segbefia concluded.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
