NHIA settles GH₵834m arrears to service providers

In a move aimed at restoring confidence and improving service delivery in Ghana’s healthcare system, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has disbursed GH₵834 million to healthcare providers across the country.

The funds, released to clear both outstanding arrears and newly vetted claims under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), mark one of the largest single-period payouts in recent history.

This announcement was made by the NHIA’s Chief Executive, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, during a press briefing on Monday, April 14, 2025.

He revealed that a significant portion of the amount—GH₵555 million—was paid out just the previous week, with an additional GH₵30 to GH₵40 million currently undergoing final processing.

The NHIA’s move comes in response to mounting frustration among healthcare providers, particularly private facilities, over delays in reimbursement.

These delays have, in the past, led to strikes, service withdrawals, and strained patient-provider relationships.
Dr. Bampoe, however, assured that the recent delays were largely due to procedural bottlenecks, not funding shortages.

To address the persistent concerns, the NHIA is shifting its financial priorities.

He disclosed that in 2024, approximately 40 to 41 percent of the Authority’s budget was dedicated to claims reimbursement.

For 2025, the target is to raise this figure to 65 percent, with an ambitious goal of hitting 70 percent by 2026.

This strategic reallocation aligns with the NHIA’s core mandate of ensuring timely and adequate funding for healthcare providers under the NHIS.

“Paying claims is our primary function, and we are determined to improve the efficiency of the system to ensure more funds go towards it,” Dr. Bampoe emphasized.

He added that reducing waste and streamlining internal processes are top priorities for the Authority, as they work toward achieving these financial targets.

The recent improvement in claims payments has been partly enabled by policy reforms, notably the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL).

The move has allowed the NHIA greater access to funds, enhancing its capacity to respond to provider needs more promptly.

Additionally, the NHIA is undergoing internal reforms aimed at modernizing its operations.

These include audits of its human resources and management information systems, as well as digital transformation initiatives to enhance efficiency and transparency.

Established in 2003, the NHIS was introduced to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all residents of Ghana.

However, it has faced multiple challenges over the years, including funding gaps, administrative inefficiencies, and mistrust from service providers.

The NHIA’s latest efforts seek to address these long-standing concerns and restore faith in the scheme’s viability.