The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has threatened to suspend some credentialed health facilities involved in illegal charges from subscribers.

This follows numerous complaints from members concerning unauthorized fees for services, investigations, and medicines covered by the scheme.

According to NHIS, this is a violation of Section 35(1) of Acts 852, and point 16.0 on "forbidden conduct" in the Master Provider Service Agreement prompted the authority to issue a warning to health facilities involved in such practices.

The statement emphasized the potential suspension of non-compliant facilities and reiterated the commitment to monitor and enforce adherence to the law and contractual agreements.

"In accordance with the NHIS Act 852, Sections 35(1) and (2), the authority is to ensure that the approved medicine list and tariffs are adhered to by the credentialed health service providers. There have been several complaints from our cherished members on illegal charges on services, investigations, and medicines within the NHIS Benefit Package, which have been confirmed by the Authority.

This practice is an affront to Section 35(1) of Act 852 and Point 6.0 on “Forbidden Conduct" as detailed in the Master Provider Service Agreement signed with the Authority.”

The Juaboso Government Hospital, along with the Enchi Government Hospital and other credentialed health facilities, has come under scrutiny for engaging in unauthorized charges against NHIS subscribers in the Western North Region.

Residents of the Juaboso District have verified the NHIS report, sharing instances where the hospital authorities collected money without issuing payment receipts despite valid NHIS cards.

Residents are now urging government intervention to address this scandal involving illegal charges at health facilities.

"My grandmother is over 100 years old. When I send her to the hospital, I am asked to pay before I come for medicine, and I do not understand. What is being said is true," one of the residents complained.

Another person said, "Right now, the Juaboso government hospital has become expensive. If you do not have money, you cannot go there. If you have insurance, they will take it and look at it, but the insurance is of no use to the hospital. What kills me is that if your child is sick and dying and you do not have money, they will not take care of you because you do not have money. If they write the medicine for you and you do not have money, how will you go and pay?"