The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has cautioned government of an imminent return to ‘a cash-and-carry’ system at health facilities across the country, over what it describes as the “failure of the NHIA to pay health facilities (Public and Private Hospitals) for service rendered from March 2019 till date”.

According to the association, the debt has already resulted in threats by some service providers from the National Insurance Scheme cardholders.

The Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) on Thursday said hospitals under its watch are owed some GH¢87million by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

Deputy Executive Director of CHAG, James Duah who disclosed this said the debt is crippling the institutions and they are struggling to pay their bills as a result.

Meanwhile, the latest statement signed by President of the GMA, Frank Ankobea, has called on government and the NHIA to immediately pay all monies owed hospitals to help make sure that “the health facilities are not forced to initiate cash and carry as a mode of payment in their quest to ensure continues service delivery as well as forestall their collapse.”

Also, the February 21 communique explained that the early settlement of these debts will go a long way to ensure that “Health Insurance Policy holders also get the health services and benefits of the policy.”