Ghana Health Service orders hospitals to stop extra charges for NHIS patients

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a directive to all regional directors of health services to ensure that healthcare facilities immediately cease charging National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) subscribers unauthorized fees for covered services. This order, contained in a letter dated November 9, 2026, and signed by GHS Director-General Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyiea, aims to eliminate the practice of illegal copayments and additional charges that have burdened patients across the country.

The GHS directive follows a stern warning from President John Mahama regarding the financial barriers faced by NHIS subscribers at public and private health facilities. President Mahama emphasized that any health facility found violating its service agreement by demanding additional payments for services already covered by the scheme will face severe sanctions. The President noted that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is actively monitoring these practices to protect citizens from unauthorized billing and ensure the integrity of the national health scheme.

To address the underlying causes of these unauthorized charges, the GHS is focusing on reinforcing healthcare financing measures and supporting facilities in their service delivery. Dr. Akoriyiea’s letter highlighted that the GHS is working alongside the NHIA to implement adjustments to service tariffs, ensuring they better reflect current market realities. Additionally, the service is prioritizing the timely reimbursement of claims to provide facilities with the necessary liquidity to operate without resorting to extra-legal charges.

This move is part of a broader effort by the Mahama administration to restore public confidence in the NHIS and ensure equitable access to medical care. By enforcing compliance and improving the financial health of clinics and hospitals, the GHS intends to guarantee that the insurance scheme remains a reliable safety net for all Ghanaians, particularly those who rely on the state-subsidized system for their primary healthcare needs.