The Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG) has commended the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the government for improvements in the payment of claims to healthcare providers. According to PHFAoG, the more regular and predictable reimbursement of claims is helping to ease the financial pressure that delayed payments had placed on health facilities over the years. This development is expected to have a positive impact on both healthcare providers and patients.
PHFAoG acknowledged the leadership of NHIA Chief Executive Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe and Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for their responsiveness to concerns surrounding healthcare financing and claims payments. The Association noted that delayed reimbursements had previously forced some healthcare facilities to borrow funds, ration medical supplies, and face significant operational challenges. The recent improvement in claims payments is seen as an important development in this regard.
The Association reported that part of the progress was due to the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund and efforts by the NHIA to ensure that vetted claims are reimbursed more regularly. In May 2026, more than GH¢157 million was released, covering April payments, some arrears dating back to 2019, and vetted claims up to March 2026. This was followed by payments of GH¢256.5 million in July and August and a further GH¢281.66 million.
According to PHFAoG, total NHIS claims payments in 2026 have consequently reached GH¢1.64 billion across public, private, and mission healthcare facilities. The Association stressed that predictable claims payments are critical to the effective operation of health facilities, particularly their ability to procure medicines and medical supplies, meet operational costs, and maintain quality services.
PHFAoG welcomed the NHIA's measures to strengthen transparency and accountability in claims administration, including the publication of claims payment information and enhanced monitoring of healthcare facilities. The Association also welcomed ongoing discussions with the NHIA on establishing a dedicated private-sector desk to improve engagement between the Authority and credentialed private healthcare providers.
The Association called for sustained and predictable releases of funds, monthly reimbursement of claims, protection of earmarked NHIS revenues, and continued engagement between the NHIA and healthcare providers to address claims-vetting concerns. PHFAoG proposed establishing a claims adjudication committee to support the timely resolution of claims disputes and pledged to continue promoting quality and ethical healthcare delivery.
PHFAoG General Secretary, Frank-Torblu Richard, emphasized that timely and predictable financing remains essential to sustaining healthcare delivery, enabling facilities to maintain supplies, support health workers, and provide the services patients need. The Association expressed its readiness to engage relevant stakeholders on proposals for greater private-sector participation in the completion and operationalization of Agenda 111 health facilities.
Key points
- The National Health Insurance Scheme has paid GH¢1.64 billion in claims to healthcare providers in 2026.
- Improved reimbursements have eased financial pressure on private health facilities.
- Predictable claims payments are critical to the effective operation of health facilities.
