NAHSAG Commends Mahama: The National Health Students Association of Ghana (NAHSAG) has welcomed key healthcare initiatives outlined by H.E. John Dramani Mahama in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) while calling for urgent action to uncap the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) fund to improve healthcare access.

In a statement issued on February 28, 2025, NAHSAG highlighted several critical interventions announced by the President, including efforts to complete the Agenda 111 hospital projects, revive the Onuado mobile healthcare vans, and secure alternative funding following the withdrawal of USAID support for health programs.

Support for Agenda 111 Completion

NAHSAG commended President Mahama for directing the Minister of Health to present a roadmap for completing the Agenda 111 hospital projects. The association believes the public-private partnership approach outlined by the President will accelerate hospital construction, create employment opportunities for health professionals, and enhance healthcare delivery.

“With private investors on board, funding will be more readily available, enabling the timely completion of these critical healthcare facilities. Once operational, these hospitals will reduce unemployment in the health sector,” the statement noted.

Onuado Mobile Healthcare Vans to Boost Rural Healthcare

The group also lauded the President’s plan to revive the Onuado mobile healthcare vans, which will provide outpatient care, ophthalmology, dentistry, ENT care, and cancer screening to remote and underserved communities.

According to NAHSAG, this initiative represents a major step toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and will bridge the healthcare access gap for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the initiative is expected to create employment opportunities for healthcare workers, strengthening the overall healthcare workforce.

Concerns Over USAID Funding Withdrawal

NAHSAG expressed deep concern over the withdrawal of USAID support, which threatens the National HIV/AIDS Control Programme in the Western, Western North, and Ahafo Regions. The statement also warned that the loss of funding could disrupt essential programs, including those for malaria, maternal and child health, and nutrition.

The association, however, acknowledged President Mahama’s directive to the Finance Minister to make urgent financial arrangements to mitigate the impact of the funding loss. It further praised the President’s response to recent cholera and meningitis outbreaks and his plan to establish the “Mahama Care Fund” to support public health initiatives.

Call for Immediate NHIS Fund Uncapping

NAHSAG urged the government to fast-track the uncapping of the NHIS fund to expand coverage and strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system.

“We humbly appeal to the President to expedite the process of uncapping the NHIS fund, which will provide additional funding to expand healthcare coverage and improve service delivery,” the statement said.

NAHSAG’s Commitment to Healthcare Advocacy

NAHSAG reaffirmed its commitment to promoting health and well-being for all Ghanaians and pledged its support for government initiatives aimed at enhancing the healthcare system.

NAHSAG Commends Mahama’s Healthcare Commitments in SONA.

Full Statement below:

Also read: NAHSAG ORGANISES A MEGA HEALTH STUDENTS CONFERENCE