Liberia: Pres. Boakai Endorses Push for National Health Insurance Scheme to Expand Access to Healthcare

MONROVIA  – The Ministry of Health has presented President Joseph Nyuma Boakai with a landmark proposal aimed at transforming Liberia’s healthcare financing system through the establishment of a national health insurance scheme, a move expected to significantly expand access to quality healthcare and accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage.

By J.H. Webster [email protected] 

The proposal includes the Liberia Health Equity Fund for Universal Health Coverage (LHEF) Bill and the accompanying Health Equity Authority of Liberia (HEAL) framework, both of which seek to establish a sustainable mechanism for financing healthcare services while protecting citizens from the high cost of medical treatment.

Presenting the documents at the Executive Mansion on Monday, Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto requested the President’s endorsement to move the initiative forward and begin preparations for its implementation.

“We have come to ask for your endorsement, we want to translate this bill into legislation and seek your authorization for the Ministry of Health to work along with the Ministry of Finance, the Liberia Revenue Authority, NASSCORP and other stakeholders to prepare the regulatory framework and fiscal transition plan,” Minister Kpoto said.

She added: “We also ask you to instruct us to communicate with the public on what we have presented and begin civic education around the Health Equity Fund.”

According to the Ministry of Health, the proposed legislation represents one of the most ambitious health sector reforms undertaken in recent years. 

The initiative is intended to ensure that all Liberians and legal residents have equitable access to quality healthcare services while reducing the financial burden associated with seeking medical treatment.

The bill seeks to address longstanding healthcare financing challenges by creating a national health insurance mechanism capable of protecting individuals and families from catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditures. 

It also provides for governance structures, financing arrangements, beneficiary coverage, and accountability measures designed to promote transparency and public confidence in the management of the fund.

Under the proposal, the Health Equity Authority of Liberia would be responsible for overseeing the implementation and administration of the scheme.

Receiving the documents, President Boakai welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to healthcare reform.

“Thanks for this idea that will benefit our country,” the President said. “We need universal healthcare for our people. Some people claimed that the Ministry needs money; I am happy that you took your time to carefully look at it and put everything together.”

He continued: “What I know is that we have the competence right here, and what we need is for all of us to work for the country. Let’s show love and commitment to the country. Know that this country is yours, and only you can do it.”

Emphasizing the need for public awareness and engagement, President Boakai stated: “We need to educate a lot of people because we want to make a law that will benefit us. This is a very good effort. I want to assure you that we are committed to it.”

He added: “Healthy people will make a good contribution to our country.”

The proposed reform aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.

The Ministry of Health is now seeking presidential endorsement to submit the LHEF Bill to the National Legislature for consideration. 

If enacted, the legislation would mark a major milestone in Liberia’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage and represent a significant step forward in strengthening healthcare financing, advancing health equity, and improving the wellbeing of citizens nationwide.

Also speaking to journalists after the event Dr. Richard Doe, a senior official of the Liberian Ministry of Health who was part of the formation of the document said his team has been working with members in the Legislature to craft the health scheme. 

“When we talked about all of the stakeholders involved in crafting this, the committee on health has been a part of the process. They are in some ways aware of it and so they are going to be our ambassadors when it gets to the Legislature,” Dr. Doe said.