The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, says the government has paid GH¢2.6 billion to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2025 to clear outstanding claims and debts owed to health service providers.

Addressing Parliament, the minister explained that the payment was aimed at settling arrears accumulated from previous years and restoring confidence among healthcare providers who rely on the scheme for reimbursements.

According to him, the government has also fully disbursed GH¢1.5 billion to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Care, as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.

“Government has paid a total of GH¢2.6 billion to the National Health Insurance Scheme this year to clear claims and debts owed to service providers,” Mr Akandoh told the House.

The Health Minister disclosed while responding to questions from the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, during proceedings on the floor of Parliament.

Mr Akandoh said the move forms part of broader efforts by the current administration to stabilise the NHIS and ensure that hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities receive timely reimbursements for services rendered to insured patients.

He also criticised what he described as the persistent build-up of NHIS arrears under the previous administration, noting that although GH¢5.68 billion was paid in claims between 2020 and 2023, debts continued to accumulate within the system.

The minister argued that the current payments are intended to address those structural challenges while improving the financial sustainability of the scheme.

The NHIS, established to provide affordable healthcare for Ghanaians, has faced recurring concerns over delayed reimbursements to service providers, which health experts say can affect the quality and accessibility of medical services.

Government officials say the latest disbursements are part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the scheme and improving the overall delivery of healthcare services in the country.