The Eastern Regional Directorate of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has issued a strong warning to accredited healthcare providers against charging illegal co-payments to National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) subscribers, stressing that offenders will face legal sanctions.
Speaking at the NHIA Eastern Regional Mid-Year Performance Review Meeting held in Kwahu East under the theme, “Driving Universal Health Coverage with Quality Data,” the Eastern Regional Director of the NHIA, Mr. Frank Addo, described the practice of charging patients’ additional fees while simultaneously claiming reimbursement from the NHIS as illegal and unacceptable.
He urged healthcare providers to desist from the practice, warning that the Authority would not hesitate to apply the law against facilities found engaging in illegal co-payments.
Mr. Addo also highlighted the Eastern Region’s outstanding performance, revealing that the region ranked first nationwide in NHIS membership performance in 2025 after achieving 146 per cent registration coverage. He expressed confidence that the region would maintain its leading position by consolidating the gains made and expanding enrolment by the end of 2026.
As part of efforts to improve transparency and reduce fraudulent claims, the Regional Director announced the implementation of the One-Time Authorisation Code (OTAC) system. Under the initiative, NHIS members will receive a one-time password via text message, which must be presented at health facilities before claims can be processed for reimbursement.
He encouraged all NHIS subscribers to update their contact details during registration or renewal to ensure they receive their OTAC codes and fully benefit from the digital service.
Mr. Addo further disclosed that the NHIA is digitising its services to enable members to register and renew their membership from the comfort of their homes through integration with the Ghana Card system. He noted that claims reimbursement has significantly improved under the current NHIA management, with healthcare providers now receiving prompt payments after submitting valid claims.
Addressing the meeting, the District Chief Executive for Kwahu East, Hon. Samuel Asamoah, commended the NHIA for its commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare and described the National Health Insurance Scheme as one of Ghana’s most important social protection interventions.
He said this year’s theme underscores the critical role of quality data in strengthening healthcare delivery, improving decision-making and achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Hon. Asamoah reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening the health sector through initiatives including the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares), digital transformation and the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund to improve claims reimbursement and service delivery.
He called on stakeholders to focus on practical reforms that will improve operational efficiency, strengthen public confidence in the NHIS, increase enrolment and ensure that every Ghanaian has access to quality healthcare without financial hardship.
The meeting brought together Regional and District NHIA Directors, Scheme Managers, healthcare providers and other stakeholders to review the Authority’s performance during the first half of 2026 and outline strategies to enhance healthcare delivery across the Eastern Region.
Source: Mybrytfmonline
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