Seedy Keita, Minister of Finance
By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon. Keita, announced on Friday during his 2025 budget speech that the Ministry of Health has been allocated D2.71 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. This represents a 17% increase compared to the 2024 health budget.
Delivering his statement, Hon. Keita highlighted that the majority of the ministry’s budget will go toward subventions, with D1.21 billion allocated as transfers to various agencies. These include D176.60 million for the Regional Health Facilities (RFH) and D369.86 million for the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH).
”the ministry of health the budget for the Ministry of Health for 2025 is D2.71 billion which represents an increase of 17% in comparison to the 2024 ministry’s budget mainly caters for subventions with D1.21 billion budgeted as transfers to agencies including D176.60 million for the RFH and D369.86 million for the EFSTH,” he said.
He disclosed that other key expenditures include D204.91 million for drugs, dressings, and medical supplies, D111.51 million for consultancy fees to pay Cuban doctors, and D42.25 million for vaccines. Additionally, D797.33 million has been budgeted for personnel emoluments, which includes D71.50 million earmarked for overseas medical treatment.
The minister also revealed that D50 million has been set aside to launch the National Health Insurance Scheme, a significant step toward improving healthcare accessibility.
On infrastructure, Hon. Keita stated that D42.59 million and D90.40 million have been allocated to enhance health facilities. These funds will support improvements in hospitals, clinics, and other health structures.
“These are to support ongoing works at EFSTH Polyclinic, Njau Health Center and COVID-19 Treatment Centre,” he said.
The 2025 health budget, he emphasized, underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and infrastructure across the country