In a move expected to boost confidence across Ghana’s healthcare delivery chain, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has disbursed GH₵834 million to health service providers nationwide a critical intervention that clears all vetted claims currently in the system.
Acting Chief Executive of the NHIA, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, made the announcement during a press briefing in Accra on Monday, April 14, 2025. The disbursement, which includes GH₵555 million paid within the past week alone, marks a decisive step toward stabilizing the health financing ecosystem and renewing trust between the NHIA and service providers.
“This payment settles every vetted claim submitted to date,” Dr. Bampoe confirmed. “There are only GH₵30 to GH₵40 million in pending claims still going through the standard processing cycle but in terms of fully vetted claims, we have cleared them all.”
Strengthening the Backbone of Healthcare Delivery
Health service providers both public and private depend on timely reimbursements to maintain operations, stock medications, and retain staff. The NHIA’s ability to meet its financial obligations sends a strong signal of stability and responsiveness in the country’s health system.
“Private providers in particular had expressed concern due to delays caused by processing issues, not lack of funds,” Dr. Bampoe explained. “This full payment demonstrates that we’re back on track.”
Financial Discipline and a Strategic Funding Shift
The Acting CEO emphasized that a significant shift in internal strategy is underway to ensure that a larger share of the Authority’s resources is used for its primary purpose paying claims. The NHIA plans to move from last year’s 41% allocation toward claims to a targeted 65% this year, with a 70% goal set for 2026.
“This is how we restore balance,” he said. “When providers are paid on time, patients receive uninterrupted care, and the system functions as it should.”
Reducing Co-Payments and Unexpected Patient Costs
The NHIA is also taking action to address the burden of out-of-pocket payments and illegal charges that some patients encounter at health facilities. A newly formed committee of senior directors will lead efforts to intensify monitoring, enforce policy, and engage providers more closely.
“Our cardholders must feel protected. If people are paying out of pocket when they shouldn’t, it weakens the scheme,” Dr. Bampoe noted. “We’re taking decisive steps to eliminate these practices.”
Advancing Access: Free Dialysis and Primary Healthcare
The NHIA is also scaling up its commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the implementation of the Mahama Cares initiative including expanded access to free dialysis across all 16 regions and the introduction of free primary healthcare.
Clarifying the status of the free dialysis program, Dr. Bampoe said, “It is still active, and our goal is to expand and make it more sustainable. Renal disease patients should not be left behind.”
Institutional Reforms to Boost Efficiency
To support these changes, the NHIA is conducting two major audits a Human Resource Audit to align staffing with performance goals, and a Management Information System (MIS) Audit to modernize how the Authority manages data and processes claims.
“These reforms are about making NHIA more agile, efficient, and ready for the future,” Dr. Bampoe added.
Media as Partners in Accountability
Ag. Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Oswald Essuah-Mensah, called on the media to act as watchdogs in the collective effort to enforce NHIA policy and eliminate illicit fees at the point of service.
“The media must be part of this movement,” he said. “With your help, we can ensure health providers stay accountable and protect the Ghanaian public.”
A Steady Hand in a Critical Sector
With payments settled, reforms launched, and new policies in motion, the NHIA is repositioning itself as a reliable institution delivering on its promise to Ghanaians. For healthcare providers, the message is clear: the Authority is listening, acting, and ready to build a more sustainable health system.
