Gov’t releases GHC261m to clear NHIS debt

The Government of Ghana has released GHC261,900,000 to the National Health Insurance Authority towards paying arrears owed service providers.

According to deputy health minister Dr Victor Bampoe, the amount will help to “significantly” clear part of the GHC600 million arrears owed service providers.

“This is the first of a three-stage process,” Dr Bampoe said.

He added: “The next two stages will be to deepen and broaden internal efficiencies within the NHIS, and to review and discuss the benefits package of the Scheme, while government decides on how to inject new funding into it.”

Private health service providers and hospitals recently resolved to stop service health insurances card holders until the arrears were cleared.

According to Dr Bampoe, just like Ghana, “other countries have gone through similar challenges and emerged with sustainable health insurance schemes and Ghana will do the same.”