Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has issued a warning to health facilities regarding double charging for services and medications provided to patients. He expressed concern that some facilities were illegally charging patients for services and medicines that were already covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This practice undermines the effectiveness of the scheme and creates the perception that it is not functioning properly.
Dr. Okoe Boye handed over a credentialing certificate to the International Maritime Hospital (IMAH) as part of a collaboration between the NHIA and IMAH to provide quality healthcare to NHIS registrants. He emphasized the importance of preventing illegal charges and mentioned the establishment of illegal charges committees in every district to monitor facilities and deter such practices.
To achieve universal health coverage in Ghana, Dr. Okoe Boye stated that the NHIA aims to reach at least 80 percent of the country’s population. Currently, the NHIS has about 17.2 million active members, representing 55 percent of the population. The NHIA plans to expand its operations to various locations to ensure quality and affordable healthcare access for all.
Dr. Okoe Boye mentioned that tariffs for services and medications have been adjusted, and claims are being disbursed within the acceptable 90-day window. To address the issue of health institutions claiming that their claims have not been paid, the NHIA has implemented a “sunshine policy” where stakeholders, such as the Ghana Medical Association and the Pharmaceutical Association, are informed when payments are made.
In his welcome address, Dr. Akwesi Afriyie Achampong, the CEO of IMAH, expressed pride in the hospital’s achievement of providing NHIS services to the public. He emphasized their commitment to providing international healthcare standards to all individuals, regardless of their financial background.
