The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has paid GH¢1.46 billion in claims so far, demonstrating its firm commitment to the prompt settlement of provider arrears across the country.
Head of Corporate Communications, Ms Faustina Derry, stated that this milestone was achieved through the diligence and competence of the management team led by Chief Executive Dr Victor Asare Bampoe.
She indicated that the current administration assumed office with a clear mandate to expedite claims processing to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Ms Derry noted that timely disbursements have yielded positive results, improved patient outcomes, and reinforced public confidence in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
She explained that the scheme was significantly bolstered by the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL).
This unlocked crucial funds to clear provider debts, increase tariffs by 120% to 180%, and finance major interventions such as Free Primary Healthcare.
Her remarks follow warm commendations from the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG) to both the government and the NHIA.
The Vice President of the association, Mr Boakye Donkor, highlighted that regular disbursements have cleared historical backlogs and ensured uninterrupted medical services across credentialed facilities nationwide.
He praised Dr Bampoe’s executive team for their outstanding leadership, noting a vast improvement over previous delays in claim settlements.
Reacting to the praise, Ms Derry expressed satisfaction, noting that endorsement from external stakeholders carries far more weight than self-praise.
“What the private facilities have said is true. It is due to the uncapping. It is also due to effective leadership and management. Without solid and competent executive management, we would not have achieved these gains even with the uncapping. We have done GH¢1.46 billion in the payment of claims. Payments are done quickly compared to previously, where payments were done in months,” she said.
Ms Derry further revealed that advanced technology deployed by the Authority has helped eliminate false claims and streamline operations.
“The prompt settlement of claims forms part of our commitment to ensuring uninterrupted healthcare delivery for members of the National Health Insurance Scheme. We remain committed to honouring our obligations and ensuring that facilities have the resources needed to continue delivering quality healthcare services to our members,” she stressed.
Turning to coverage, Ms Derry disclosed that scheme membership has grown significantly, with 70 per cent of the national population currently registered.
She added that plans are far advanced to attain universal health coverage by raising registration above 80 per cent.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana