John Mahama warns health facilities over illegal NHIS fees

President John Mahama has issued a stern warning to health facilities across the country against charging patients unauthorized fees outside the approved National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) framework. Speaking at the Ghana Medical Association’s 68th Annual General Meeting, the President emphasized that such practices undermine the integrity of the health insurance system and place an unfair financial burden on citizens who should be covered by the scheme. He made it clear that facilities found to be defrauding patients or the NHIS will face strict sanctions as the government intensifies its oversight of medical providers. To ensure compliance, the President noted that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is actively monitoring service providers for adherence to agreed-upon billing standards. This crackdown on illegal co-payments or top-up fees is part of a broader effort to restore public confidence in the insurance scheme. Mahama called on healthcare professionals and administrators to remain vigilant against fraud within the system, noting that the government is committed to identifying and penalizing those who exploit administrative loopholes for illicit financial gain. The warning comes as part of a significant overhaul of Ghana's healthcare delivery system under the current administration. The government has allocated approximately GH​""22.8 billion to the Ministry of Health, a portion of which is specifically designated to support the NHIS and facilitate advanced medical care. This funding is central to the government’s integrated healthcare programs, which include the rollout of Free Primary Healthcare and the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to enhance patient care continuity. By addressing illegal fee-charging, President Mahama aims to secure the sustainability of the NHIS while expanding universal health coverage. The government’s strategy focuses on balancing increased investment in the health sector with rigorous accountability measures. As the NHIA continues its nationwide monitoring exercises, the administration expects health facilities to align their operations with the national mandate of providing affordable and accessible healthcare to all citizens without unauthorized extra costs.