The rise in outpatient utilisation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is proof of the confidence in the scheme by citizens, President John Dramani Mahama has said.

Delivering to Parliament his 2016 State of the Nation address on Thursday 25th February, the President said: “2015 saw an active utilisation of the NHIS with 11.2 million users, 41% of the population.”

He also indicated that his administration had initiated processes to have a team of technical experts review the scheme and propose fundamental reforms that will improve the scheme.

The President disclosed that the health of the populace was very important and government was investing to improve healthcare delivery in Ghana.

“Work on the 298-bed Bolgatanga Hospital is progressing satisfactorily. The Wa Regional hospital is 70% complete. I have requested that the Minister of Health convert the Volta Regional Hospital into a modern teaching hospital," he stated.

Aside from an upgrade in infrastructure, Mr Mahama said that health professionals needed to be provided with good conditions for them to offer their best.

He said: "We are improving on the conditions of service of healthcare professionals, so that they decide to work here [in Ghana].”

As part of investments to improve facilities and health equipment in various health facilities, Mr Mahama indicated that: “We are improving on infrastructure and modern technology to cater for the health demands of the population.”

The President also touched on Persons Living with Disabilites (PWDs) saying that being a disabled person should not prevent one from using his other capabilities to affect society positively.

He has, therefore, “requested that the disability common fund be increased from 2 to 3 per cent”.