FHM Engage and NHIA Initiate Costing Analysis of Essential Health Services Package in Ghana

On November 5, 2024, FHM Engage, in partnership with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), hosted an inception meeting in Accra to initiate the Costing and Budget Impact Analysis of the Health Preventive and Promotive Benefits Package (HPPBP). Attendees included a technical working group (TWG) comprising representatives from the NHIA, Ghana Health Service (GHS), Christian Health Association of Ghana, the Ministry of Health and specialists in locla health financing and strategy. The meeting achieved technical consensus on the scope, methodology, and work plan for this critical activity.

The Health Promotion and Prevention Benefits Package (HPPBP) is an integral part of Ghana's Essential Health Services Package, featuring 68 preventive and promotive interventions that align with the government's goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. Currently, these essential services are not included in the National Health Insurance Scheme, which restricts access for many Ghanaians.

Implementing the HPPBP is a national priority, and the ongoing costing analysis aims to provide policymakers with actionable insights by estimating the financial requirements necessary for its implementation. The recent meeting underscored the importance of a practical and transparent approach, laying the groundwork for advancing HPPBP costing, a crucial step toward enhancing access to essential health services across Ghana.

Participants at the Inception meeting for the HPPBP Costing and Budget Impact Analysis, Accra, Nov 2024. Photo credit: NHIA