Bono Region: NHIA Warns Healthcare Providers Against ‘Illegal Charges’ to Ensure Smooth NHIS Operations

The Bono Regional Office of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has issued a stern warning to healthcare providers in the region to cease all illegal charges being levied on National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) members.

This follows the Authority’s 2025 Midyear Performance Review, which assessed progress and challenges in NHIS implementation, including membership enrollment, claims processing, and quality of service.

Speaking to 3News in Sunyani, Isaac Badu Amponsah, Bono Regional NHIA Director, expressed concern over reports of unauthorized co-payments by some healthcare providers, despite significant improvements in claims disbursement by the government.

“In fact, we are not pleased with this kind of menace that is going on. Most complaints that were coming from our service providers were in regard to late payments of claims. But as of now, we’ve paid claims up to April, and payments for June and July are underway. I don’t see why our facilities should be charging our members,” he stated.

Mr. Amponsah emphasized that under the current administration, delays in claims payments—previously a major challenge—have significantly reduced. Over GHC1.5 billion has been paid to healthcare providers in the past seven months, demonstrating the Authority’s commitment to resourcing health facilities.

Breakdown of the payments includes:

• GHC120.7 million (45%) to public health facilities
• GHC100.2 million (37%) to private facilities
• GHC46.8 million (18%) to mission facilities

Mr. Amponsah credited President John Dramani Mahama for prioritizing healthcare financing in 2025, noting that the administration’s efforts aim to maintain a debt-free status for service providers and eliminate practices undermining the NHIS.

“This prompt payment of claims is in line with the President’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery and to eliminating the co-payment menace that threatens the scheme’s success,” he added.

He further urged NHIS members to report any illegal charges for immediate redress and possible recovery of funds, stating,

“We will not tolerate any illegal charges. NHIS members must report such incidents for immediate action.”

Despite some challenges, the Bono Region has recorded notable progress:

• 843,129 active members enrolled so far, representing 77.3% of the regional target of 1,088,781
• Indigent enrollment stands at 65% of target
• Mobile renewals at 59%

However, Universal Health Coverage saw a slight decline, dropping to 63% from 68% the previous year.

The NHIA says it remains committed to eliminating unethical practices and expanding access to quality healthcare under the NHIS.

SOURCE: Claude Kumi Abisa, 3news.com