Medical Directors of health facilities in the Ahafo Region have commended the leadership of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for the prompt payment of claims in 2025.

According to them, the NHIA’s timely disbursement of claims has significantly improved the day-to-day administration of both public and private health facilities across the region.

Dr Tsibo-Takyi, Medical Director of the St. John of God Catholic Hospital in Duayaw-Nkwanta, noted that although NHIS claims alone are not enough to sustain healthcare operations, their prompt payment is greatly appreciated.

The Medical Directors made these remarks on Monday at Hwediem during a stakeholder engagement meeting between the NHIA, credentialed facilities, and the Ghana Health Service in the Ahafo Region.

The meeting served as a platform to reflect, review, and renew the collective commitment to delivering quality and accessible healthcare to residents under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

It was attended by the Regional Director of Health Services, District Directors of Health, Medical Superintendents of hospitals, and representatives from mission hospitals in the region.

Dr James Ankomah, Medical Director of Goaso Municipal Hospital, called on the NHIA to increase tariffs under the Scheme, stressing that the current payments to facilities are woefully inadequate.

In his address, the Acting Ahafo Regional Director of the NHIA, George Mawuli, revealed that payments to health facilities had been made up to May 2025, with only a few institutions having exceptional cases pending.

He expressed optimism that prompt payment of claims would translate into quality service delivery for all residents seeking healthcare in the region.

However, Mr Mawuli also raised concerns about some facilities continuing to charge illegal fees or impose co-payments on clients, describing the practice as unethical and a breach of contractual agreements with the NHIA.

“We cannot allow these practices to continue,” he stated. “They undermine the credibility of the NHIS and erode public trust.”

He therefore urged all service providers to immediately cease unauthorised charges and strictly adhere to NHIS tariffs and policies.

To enhance transparency and client education, Mr Mawuli announced the introduction of the "Pulpit System"—a new initiative in which NHIS staff will be stationed at various credentialed facilities daily to educate clients about their rights, responsibilities, and benefits under the Scheme.

He explained that the initiative will also serve as a feedback mechanism and facilitate real-time resolution of issues at the facility level. “We count on your maximum cooperation to make this a success,” he added.

As part of its operational calendar, the NHIA is also entering a new cycle of credentialing and contract renewals. Mr Mawuli urged all providers to ensure that their documentation is up to date and submitted promptly.

He emphasised the NHIA’s commitment to providing a smooth and transparent process and called for a similar level of professionalism and urgency from all healthcare facilities.

Mr Mawuli concluded by highlighting the shared responsibility of ensuring the NHIS’s success in the Ahafo Region. “Let’s work together in mutual respect and accountability to build a system that our clients can trust and rely on,” he said.