The state intends to cover mental health care under the National Health Insurance Scheme, according to plans announced by President Nana Akufo Addo.

During a gathering in Accra with doctors and surgeons, Nana Akufo-Addo stated that mental health needs to be a priority for everyone.

He stated that having specialists on staff at every hospital in the nation is essential to reaching the goal of universal coverage.

“Next year, mental healthcare will be added to the benefits package on the National Health Insurance Scheme. We recognize, however, that the key to achieving the target of universal health coverage is the availability of specialists to serve in all hospitals in the country. It is about time we begin to set our targets higher.”

In order to guarantee Ghana meets its goals for universal health coverage, the president also urged the nation’s professional health organizations to work together in a sound and healthy manner.

“These targets, which are being achieved by the developed world where doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals migrate to, can be achieved by Ghana.

“The Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Ghana Medical and Dental Council, the Ghana Health Service, and the Ministry of Health must work together to ensure that we also achieve this target.”