IPNEWS: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has received a proposed National Health Insurance Bill from the Ministry of Health, marking a significant step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Liberia.
The bill was formally presented by Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, who outlined the government’s vision for establishing a sustainable national health insurance system that would improve access to quality healthcare services for all Liberians, regardless of their economic status.
Presenting the proposal at the Executive Mansion, Dr. Kpoto requested President Boakai’s endorsement of the bill and asked that it be transmitted to the National Legislature for consideration and passage. She also called for the President’s guidance in coordinating with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), NASSCORP, and other key stakeholders to develop the regulatory framework and fiscal transition plan necessary for implementation.
According to the Health Minister, the proposed health insurance scheme is designed to reduce the financial burden on citizens seeking medical care while strengthening the country’s healthcare delivery system.
In response, President Boakai welcomed the proposal and reaffirmed his longstanding commitment to ensuring affordable healthcare for all Liberians.
“Even before coming to office, I spoke about the need for universal healthcare for our people,” President Boakai said. “Many Liberians are afraid to seek medical attention because they believe they cannot afford it. These are our people, and we must find ways to make healthcare accessible and affordable.”
The President praised the Ministry of Health and its partners for developing what he described as a practical and locally-driven solution to one of the country’s most pressing challenges.
He noted that Liberia possesses the expertise and human resources needed to build a successful health insurance program and emphasized the importance of educating the public and lawmakers about the benefits of the proposed system.
President Boakai also highlighted the need to improve conditions for healthcare professionals, stressing that many qualified Liberian doctors and medical practitioners have left the country due to limited opportunities and inadequate compensation.
“We train our people, but because we do not recognize and adequately support them, they leave and serve other countries,” he said. “We must create opportunities that encourage them to remain and contribute to the development of Liberia.”
The President further linked healthcare reforms to broader national development goals, including improved sanitation, education, and infrastructure. He stressed that quality healthcare services are essential to building a productive and prosperous nation.
Describing the proposed National Health Insurance Bill as a major milestone, President Boakai pledged his administration’s support for its advancement and expressed confidence that the government and legislature could work together to make the initiative a reality.
“We are committed to this,” he declared. “Healthy people make good contributions to their country, and we must do everything possible to improve the lives of our citizens.”
If enacted, the National Health Insurance Bill would establish Liberia’s first comprehensive national health insurance framework, expanding healthcare access and helping move the country closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage.
