By Nadia Ntiamoah
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has injected a major financial boost into Ghana’s healthcare sector, disbursing more than GH¢392 million to health facilities across the country in claims payments for services delivered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) between December 2025 and January 2026.
The payments, officials say, form part of a broader strategy to stabilise service delivery and restore confidence among healthcare providers amid long-standing concerns over delayed reimbursements.
In a statement issued by the Finance Directorate of the National Health Insurance Authority, the Authority confirmed that a total of GH¢392,031,851.26 was paid to health facilities after claims submitted by providers in the previous year were fully vetted and approved.
The payments covered services rendered to NHIS cardholders nationwide, reflecting the Authority’s renewed push for timely reimbursement and operational efficiency.
A detailed breakdown shows that GH¢301,658,338.13 was disbursed in December 2025 alone, followed by an additional GH¢90,373,513.13 in January 2026.
Together, the two payments brought total claims settlement for the period to just under GH¢400 million, marking one of the most significant short-term reimbursement exercises in recent years.
According to the NHIA, the bulk of the funds—approximately 80.55 percent—went to public and private health facilities, which form the backbone of healthcare delivery under the insurance scheme.
In nominal terms, public facilities received GH¢157,164,301.62, while private facilities were paid GH¢158,630,317.29. Mission health facilities, which play a critical role in rural and underserved communities, received the remaining 19.45 percent, amounting to GH¢76,237,232.35.
The payments come against a backdrop of persistent tensions between health providers and the insurance authority over delayed claims, cash flow challenges, and the rising cost of healthcare delivery.
In previous years, hospitals and clinics across the country have repeatedly warned that reimbursement delays were affecting their ability to procure medicines, maintain equipment, and retain staff—sometimes forcing them to shift costs to patients through out-of-pocket charges.
Within this context, the latest disbursement is being framed by the NHIA as part of a wider reform agenda aimed at strengthening the financial sustainability of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
The Authority has consistently maintained that prompt claims settlement is essential to protecting patient access to care, improving service quality, and preventing disruptions in healthcare delivery.
Officials say the payments demonstrate a renewed commitment to accountability, efficiency, and trust-building within the system, especially as NHIS membership continues to grow nationwide.
