NHIA Bolsters Universal Health Coverage with GH¢382.85m Claims Payment and Regional Expansion

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a significant disbursement of GH¢382.85 million to healthcare providers for services rendered in September 2026, bringing the total claims paid for the year to GH¢2.115 billion. This financial injection is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system and maintain provider confidence. Of the latest payment, public healthcare facilities received the largest portion at GH¢197.32 million (51.54%), while private and mission facilities were allocated GH¢128.95 million (33.68%) and GH¢56.58 million (14.7%), respectively. NHIA CEO Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe emphasized that these timely reimbursements are critical to ensuring NHIS members can access quality care without the burden of illegal co-payments or financial barriers.

To further support healthcare providers and improve service delivery, the NHIA implemented a 50% increase in service tariffs in August 2026. Dr. Bampoe reiterated that because of these adjustments and the prompt payment of claims, healthcare facilities must strictly refrain from charging NHIS members for covered services. The authority remains committed to sustaining the trust of its partners and ensuring that the health insurance scheme remains a viable and reliable safety net for all Ghanaians, particularly as the country moves closer to its universal health goals.

On the regional front, the Ahafo Region has emerged as a leader in healthcare accessibility, achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for the second consecutive year. The region reached an 87% population coverage rate in 2025, surpassing its target by 110%. During the inauguration of the Asunafo South district office, Dr. Bampoe praised the region’s innovation, specifically the implementation of the One-Time Attendance Code (OTAC) system. This digital tool is designed to enhance accountability and reduce fraudulent claims, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for health and inequality reduction.

Physical expansion of NHIS services is also progressing in the Bono Region, where a new district office complex has been inaugurated in Banda. Before this development, residents were forced to travel four hours to Nsawkaw to access insurance services. The new facility, constructed by Member of Parliament Ahmed Ibrahim, includes a dedicated vehicle and motorbikes to facilitate outreach in remote rural areas. This move is expected to significantly boost NHIS membership and ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach the most underserved populations.

These combined efforts—financial stability through claim payments, technological innovation in the Ahafo Region, and infrastructure development in Banda—reflect a comprehensive approach to modernizing Ghana’s health insurance landscape. As the NHIA continues to expand its physical and digital footprint, the focus remains on eliminating financial hurdles for patients and fostering a transparent, efficient system that supports both public and private healthcare providers across the country.