The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has intensified its campaign against illegal charges imposed on National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) members.
A high-level team from the Provider and Client Relations unit visited the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua to engage management and staff on the issue.
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The visit forms part of a broader regional campaign to enforce compliance with the NHIS expanded Benefit Package and protect insured persons from unauthorised out-of-pocket payments.
Led by Acting Deputy Director Ms Hamdiya Amadu Yakubu (Head of Provider and Client Relations), the team delivered a firm message that illegal charges are totally unacceptable. She warned that any credentialed healthcare provider found culpable would face severe sanctions.
Ms Hamdiya re-echoed the zero-tolerance policy of the NHIA Chief Executive, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe. She emphasised that the Provider and Client Relations unit is dedicated to resolving legitimate complaints and grievances raised by NHIS active members at the point of service delivery.
The engagement highlighted several measures being implemented by the NHIA: introduction of the One Time Attendance Code (OTAC) digital solution, establishment of a permanent Anti-Fraud and Illegal Payments Directorate, strengthened monitoring and inspection of healthcare facilities, and continuous education of both providers and clients on their rights and responsibilities.
The Medical Director of the Eastern Regional Hospital, Dr Aiden S. Saanwie, expressed appreciation for the NHIA’s engagement and pledged full support from management and staff toward the anti-illegal charges campaign. He assured the team of the hospital’s commitment to providing quality care in line with NHIS guidelines.
The NHIA team educated NHIS active members present at the facility on their rights and responsibilities. They encouraged beneficiaries to report any instance of illegal charges and promised continued improvements in service delivery. The visit concluded with the presentation of NHIS membership books and branded souvenirs to the hospital management as a gesture of partnership.
Illegal charges undermine the very essence of the NHIS, which was established to remove financial barriers to healthcare. The NHIA’s proactive regional engagements demonstrate a serious commitment to protecting the scheme’s integrity and ensuring that insured persons receive the benefits they are entitled to without hidden costs.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any illegal charges promptly through the NHIA’s official channels. Providers are reminded to adhere strictly to the scheme’s guidelines to avoid sanctions. The NHIA’s zero-tolerance stance sends a clear signal that the era of exploiting NHIS members must come to an end.
