Pharmaceutical companies in the country have given a one-month ultimatum to government to clear its outstanding debts.

The companies had earlier today threatened to suspend drug supplies to accredited National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) facilities across the country.

After a crunch meeting with the Health Insurance Provider Association of Ghana in Kumasi, the pharmaceutical companies have affirmed their decision to stick to their threat, telling the Service providers that their patience can only last for a month.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has not paid for services rendered by the providers for months, a situation that has made it impossible for the providers to also pay their suppliers.

Director of Operations and Communication of the Health Insurance Service Providers Association, Tony Amekah, admitted in an interview with Joy News that most of the pharmaceutical companies are in financial distress.

"Since February, with some dating as far back as August last year, payments have been in arrears", he said.

The service providers, whose operations would be most affected by the threat, have blamed the Finance Ministry for the non-payment.

They have decided to turn to the courts to seek legal clarity on the law governing the National Health Insurance Scheme, Luv FM’s John Teye who monitored the meeting, reported.

John added that the service providers intend issuing a communique later this week to state their position.