The Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAG) has given the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) a 10-day ultimatum to settle outstanding payments to service providers.
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Failure to do so will result in private health providers resorting to the cash and carry system.
Concerns were raised by minority members of Parliament’s Health Committee regarding the financial state of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), with claims that it is currently bankrupt.
The minority caucus, led by its ranking member, has expressed alarm over the dire financial situation of the NHIS.
They revealed that the NHIA has not received any funds from the Ministry of Finance this year, and checks with the Bank of Ghana indicate that the scheme holds less than GHȼ1 million.
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Speaking on JoyFM, Midday, Vice President of the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana, Samuel Boakye Donkor, emphasized that from June 7, they will no longer accept NHIS cards if payments are not made.
He highlighted the challenges faced by private health facilities, including difficulties in purchasing drugs, paying salaries, and covering operational costs. Donkor urged the government to release funds to NHIA to enable payments to service providers.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of NHIA, Dacosta Aboagye, asserted on the JoyNews AM Show that the NHIA maintains a robust financial position. He stated that the authority disburses between GH₵180 million and GH₵250 million monthly, indicating that it is not bankrupt.
Dr. Aboagye emphasized the importance of consistent releases of funds from the Ministry of Finance to sustain the NHIS. He reassured that with regular releases, the scheme would remain viable and operational.
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