The government has earmarked GH¢40.3 billion to the Ministry of Health to support the people and facilities on which healthcare depends.
According to the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the proposed amount covers funding for health insurance, hospitals, mental health care, ambulances, vaccines and training for health workers.
Of the amount, GH¢10.2 billion has been earmarked for the National Health Insurance Scheme, while GH¢2.6 billion will go to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, MahamaCares.
Government has also earmarked GH¢6.8 billion to begin the construction of 2 specialist hospitals, 6 regional hospitals, a new mother and child centre at Korle-Bu and 2 district hospitals.
A further GH¢1 billion has been set aside for the completion of the Eastern and Western Regional Hospitals, and another GH¢1 billion for the completion of 35 Agenda 111 district hospitals.
For other key projects, GH¢70 million will support psychiatric hospitals, GH¢60 million will go to the completion of the La General Hospital, and GH¢11 million has been earmarked for the e-Health Project to support the use of digital systems in healthcare.
Government has also earmarked GH¢20 million to operationalise the Mental Health Fund to strengthen care for people who too often struggle to be heard.
In addition, GH¢200 million has been earmarked for the procurement of ambulances, GH¢100 million to procure and deliver life-saving childhood and maternal vaccines, and GH¢40 million for the construction of two nursing training colleges.
An amount of GH¢434 million has also been earmarked for nursing trainee allowances.
Government has further set aside GH¢275 million for the Obstetrics Emergencies and Maternal and Child Health Project.
