NHIA welcomes GHS, CHAG directives against unauthorised NHIS charges

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has welcomed directives issued by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) ordering their respective healthcare facilities to comply strictly with National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) requirements and stop imposing unauthorised charges on members.

The directives, issued on November 9 and November 11, 2026, respectively, require healthcare providers to honour their obligations under the Scheme and ensure that patients are not compelled to make additional payments for services covered by the NHIS.

The NHIA said the measures reinforce President John Dramani Mahama’s directive at the 68th Annual General Conference of the Ghana Medical Association, where he instructed the Authority to intensify monitoring of healthcare facilities, undertake facility-to-facility inspections and sanction institutions found charging NHIS members unauthorised fees.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, the Authority described the directives as an important demonstration of institutional commitment and collaboration towards protecting the rights of members and restoring public confidence in the Scheme.

It said the development also reinforces the zero-tolerance campaign against illegal co-payments and unauthorised out-of-pocket charges being pursued by its Chief Executive, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, since assuming office.

The NHIA particularly welcomed CHAG’s directive to its member institutions to implement revised NHIA-approved tariffs, update their billing systems and strengthen internal compliance monitoring.

It said the GHS directive similarly reaffirms the responsibility of healthcare facilities to fulfil their obligations under the NHIS.

The Authority noted that the renewed enforcement measures come amid significant government interventions to improve the financial sustainability of the Scheme.

These include the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund, regular monthly reimbursement of vetted claims and an approximately 50 per cent upward adjustment in NHIS service tariffs, which took effect in August 2026.

As part of efforts to ensure timely payments to healthcare providers, the NHIA said it disbursed GH¢210.36 million to credentialed healthcare facilities in October alone.

This brings the total amount paid in claims to healthcare providers in 2026 to GH¢2.325 billion.

The Authority said it would intensify monitoring, investigations and enforcement activities to ensure that the directives issued by GHS and CHAG result in actual compliance at the facility level.

It also pledged to strengthen collaboration with healthcare provider leadership, regional and district health directorates and other relevant stakeholders to monitor billing practices and investigate complaints of unauthorised charges.

According to the NHIA, illegal co-payments and additional out-of-pocket charges place an unfair financial burden on vulnerable citizens and undermine public confidence in the Scheme.

It said the directives from the two healthcare provider networks would add momentum to its nationwide compliance audits and taskforce operations aimed at eliminating the practice.

The Authority thanked the Director-General of the GHS, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, and the Executive Director of CHAG, Dr Peter Yeboah, as well as other healthcare provider networks, for prioritising patient welfare.

It reiterated its commitment to working with sector stakeholders to eliminate unauthorised fees and safeguard the integrity of the NHIS as Ghana advances towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The NHIA also reminded members that they are entitled to receive all services covered under the NHIS Benefit Package without being compelled to make unauthorised additional payments.

Members who encounter facilities demanding extra payments for services covered by the Scheme have been encouraged to report such incidents to the Authority.

Complaints can be lodged through the NHIA Call Centre on 6447, 054 444 6447 or 0302 74 6447. Members may also contact the Authority via WhatsApp on 0501 169 8778 or through its social media platforms.

The NHIA stressed that the success of the Scheme depends not only on sustainable financing and timely reimbursement of healthcare providers but also on ensuring that members can access their entitled healthcare services without unauthorised financial barriers.

It said it would continue working with the GHS, CHAG and all healthcare provider associations to protect members' rights and ensure that the NHIS fulfils its mandate of shielding Ghanaians from the financial burden of accessing healthcare.