Health facilities charging NHIS patients unlawfully will be dealt with – Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned health facilities against charging patients unauthorised fees under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), warning that institutions found engaging in the practice will face sanctions.
He said the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) was conducting monitoring exercises across healthcare facilities to identify those demanding additional payments from patients despite their presentation of valid NHIS cards.
Speaking at the 68th Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Medical Association at Central University in Prampram, President Mahama said he had received complaints about the practice and stressed that the government would not tolerate it.
He noted that some facilities continued to demand money from patients before providing services, even when the patients had presented their NHIS cards.
The President said the NHIA was monitoring healthcare providers and warned that any facility found imposing charges outside approved insurance arrangements would be dealt with.
Mr Mahama also highlighted the government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery through a new system that integrates the Free Primary Healthcare programme, the uncapped NHIS and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares.
He explained that the three initiatives were designed to provide a comprehensive healthcare system, covering services from early screening and diagnosis to specialised treatment for serious medical conditions.
Launched in April this year, the Free Primary Healthcare programme seeks to bring screening, early detection and treatment of selected illnesses closer to communities.
While the NHIS supports treatment at the district level and above, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund is intended to assist patients with selected serious conditions requiring specialised care beyond the existing insurance coverage.
President Mahama said the three programmes would collectively establish a more dependable continuum of healthcare.
He also underscored the importance of effective referral systems and follow-up services to ensure patients receive timely care as their medical needs evolve.
On healthcare financing, the President disclosed that the 2026 Budget had allocated approximately GH¢22.8 billion to the Ministry of Health and its agencies, with a further GH¢11.3 billion designated for transfers to the National Health Insurance Fund.
Of the additional allocation, GH¢2.26 billion was earmarked for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
He said the decision to uncap the National Health Insurance Fund was helping to ensure more consistent funding for investment in healthcare delivery.
According to him, the NHIA now makes monthly payments to healthcare providers for claims that have been submitted and vetted, while service tariffs have been increased by 50 per cent since August this year.
He explained that the measures were intended to give health facilities greater financial certainty to purchase essential supplies and maintain service delivery.
However, President Mahama urged stakeholders to remain vigilant against fraud and waste to safeguard the resources allocated to the scheme.
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