President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has thrown his full support behind Liberia’s proposed National Health Insurance Scheme, describing it as a critical step toward making healthcare affordable and accessible for all Liberians.
Speaking during a presentation by the Ministry of Health at the Executive Mansion, President Boakai endorsed the proposed policy framework and signaled his willingness to transmit the accompanying bill to the National Legislature for consideration.
The presentation on Monday, June 22, 2026, was led by Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, who formally requested the President’s endorsement of the policy document and sought authorization to begin nationwide civic education on the proposed insurance scheme.
“We ask for your endorsement and for you to transmit the bill to the Legislature. We also seek your approval to begin informing the public about what we have presented, so that civic education can start around this important reform,” she stated.
In response, President Boakai praised the Ministry of Health and its partners for what he described as a well-thought-out initiative aimed at addressing one of Liberia’s most pressing social challenges.
“I talked about the need for health insurance even before coming to office. Many Liberians are afraid to go to hospitals because they feel they cannot afford the cost of treatment. These are our people, and we must find a way to ensure that healthcare is available and affordable,” he narrated. Also, the President emphasized that quality healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for a few but a right accessible to all citizens regardless of their financial circumstances.
He explained that the insurance scheme would allow citizens to contribute small amounts regularly, creating a pool of resources that can be used to cover medical expenses when needed.
“People do not pay for insurance because they want to get sick. They contribute so that when illness or emergencies come, there will be resources available to take care of them,” Boakai said. The Liberian leader highlighted the potential of the insurance program to strengthen Liberia’s healthcare system by attracting and retaining qualified medical professionals.
According to the President, Liberia continues to lose trained doctors and healthcare workers to other countries because of poor compensation and limited opportunities at home. “We train our people and many of them leave because we do not provide the conditions for them to serve here. We must create opportunities for our doctors and health professionals to work and contribute to their country,” he noted.
Boakai stressed that improving healthcare requires investments not only in hospitals but also in medical personnel, sanitation, education, and the overall health environment. He called on lawmakers, government officials, and citizens to work together to ensure the successful implementation of the proposed scheme. “Healthy people will make contributions to the country. Good healthcare, good roads, good education, and a good environment all contribute to national development,” he stated.
President Boakai assured the Ministry of Health that his administration remains committed to advancing the initiative and pledged to work with the Legislature to move the proposed legislation forward. He urged Liberians to embrace the reform, describing it as a practical solution that could reduce the financial burden of healthcare on ordinary families while strengthening the nation’s health sector. The proposed National Health Insurance Scheme is expected to become one of the government’s flagship healthcare reforms aimed at expanding access to medical services and improving health outcomes across Liberia.
