President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned health facilities against imposing unauthorised charges on patients covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), warning that institutions found engaging in the practice will face sanctions. He disclosed that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has begun monitoring health facilities nationwide to identify those demanding additional payments from patients despite their presentation of valid NHIS cards.
Addressing 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 insisted that such conduct would not be tolerated. “I have received complaints that, despite patients presenting their NHIS cards, some facilities still demand money from them before providing services,” he said.
He noted that the NHIA was undertaking monitoring exercises to ensure compliance with the scheme’s regulations, stressing that any facility found charging unauthorised fees would be held accountable. “Any facility found charging patients additional fees outside the approved insurance arrangements will be dealt with,” the President warned.
President Mahama also outlined the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery through a new health framework that brings together 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 complement one another and establish a comprehensive healthcare system that supports patients from preventive screening and early diagnosis to specialised treatment for critical medical conditions. According to him, the Free Primary Healthcare programme, launched in April this year, seeks to expand access to basic healthcare by bringing screening, early detection and treatment of selected conditions closer to communities.
He explained that while the NHIS covers healthcare services at the district level and beyond, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund is intended to provide financial assistance for selected serious conditions requiring specialised treatment that falls outside the existing NHIS coverage.
“Together, these three programmes are intended to provide a more reliable continuum of care,” President Mahama stated. President Mahama stressed the importance of efficient referral systems and proper patient follow-up to ensure individuals receive timely and appropriate medical care as their health needs evolve.
On healthcare financing, he revealed that the 2026 Budget had earmarked approximately GH¢22.8 billion for the Ministry of Health and its agencies, alongside an additional GH¢11.3 billion in transfers to the National Health Insurance Fund. Out of the allocated amount, GH¢2.26 billion has been designated for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
The President noted that the decision to uncap the National Health Insurance Fund was helping to establish a more sustainable and predictable system for reinvesting resources into healthcare delivery.
He explained that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) now makes monthly payments to healthcare providers for claims that have been submitted and duly vetted. Additionally, tariffs for services under the scheme have been increased by 50 per cent since August this year.
According to President Mahama, these measures are aimed at improving the financial stability of healthcare facilities, enabling them to plan effectively, procure essential medical supplies and maintain uninterrupted service delivery. He, however, cautioned against fraudulent activities, financial leakages and the misuse of resources, emphasising the need for strict oversight and accountability to safeguard funds allocated to the health insurance scheme.
