By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, Nov. 12, GNA – The Government has allocated GH¢40.3 billion to the Ministry of Health in the 2027 Budget to strengthen healthcare delivery, improve hospital infrastructure and support health workers across the country.
The allocation is expected to support the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, and the construction and completion of health facilities.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance, announced this when he presented the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government to Parliament on Thursday.
He said GH¢10.2 billion had been allocated to the NHIS, while GH¢2.6 billion would go to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to support access to healthcare.
An amount of GH¢6.8 billion has also been earmarked to commence 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.
The Minister said GH¢1 billion would be used to complete the Eastern and Western Regional Hospitals, with another GH¢1 billion allocated towards the completion of 35 district hospitals under the Agenda 111 project.
Additionally, GH¢60 million has been set aside for the completion of the La General Hospital, while GH¢70 million would support the operations of psychiatric hospitals.
To strengthen digital healthcare delivery, GH¢11 million has been allocated to the e-Health Project, while GH¢20 million would be used to operationalise the Mental Health Fund, Dr Ato Forson stated.
He noted that the Government had also earmarked GH¢200 million for the procurement of ambulances and GH¢100 million for the procurement and delivery of life-saving childhood and maternal vaccines.
For health workforce development, the Minister said GH¢40 million had been allocated for the construction of two nursing training colleges, while GH¢434 million would support nursing trainee allowances.
The Government had further set aside GH¢275 million for the Obstetrics Emergencies and Maternal and Child Health Project.
He said the allocations formed part of efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system by investing in health infrastructure, improving access to essential medical services and supporting healthcare professionals.
The investments were expected to improve healthcare delivery and enhance maternal and child health outcomes across the country, he added.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
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Reporter: Samira Larbie
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