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The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has declared that healthcare providers throughout Ghana will receive a notable rise in financial assistance starting January 2026, as the Authority plans to introduce an anticipated 120% hike in service tariffs.
The NHIA states that the updated tariffs — encompassing major reforms to Ghana’s health financing system in recent years — will become effective only upon receiving official approval from the Minister for Health, as required by law.
The change is anticipated to enhance service delivery, improve the sustainability of healthcare facilities, and enrich the overall patient experience within the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Speaking on behalf of the NHIA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations, praised the Independent Clinical Experts’ Group for creating evidence-based tariffs that accurately reflect the cost of healthcare services while addressing leaders in the health sector from the Volta and Oti Regions at a regional training program.
He clarified that, depending on the service mix offered by each institution, the effective rise on claims reimbursements will average at least 120% even though the headline jump is 180%.
The government’s decision to uncap the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which has made an extra GH¢3.4 billion available for better healthcare delivery, is what Dr. Djokoto credited with the breakthrough.
“The uncapping of the NHIF by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama gives us the fiscal space to implement the reviewed tariffs, roll out the Free Primary Healthcare programme, and dedicate resources to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund for chronic disease support,”
Concerns regarding the continuation of unlawful charges in certain medical facilities were also brought up by Dr. Djokoto.
He emphasized that the NHIA will intensify its enforcement efforts with the implementation of reasonable tariffs, pointing out that a task team appointed by NHIA CEO Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe found tariff alignment to be a crucial instrument in getting rid of unapproved payments.
The upcoming revisions were hailed by healthcare officials during the training, who described them as essential and urgent.
According to Rev. Prof. Adukwei Hesse, a World Bank consultant on the tariff review procedure, the new framework is “comprehensive and consistent with global best practices.”
In a comparable manner, Dr. Isaac Koranteng, a consultant obstetrician at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, expressed hope that the updated tariffs will improve patient welfare, lower unlawful co-payments, and rebuild provider trust.
Before the new tariff system is implemented, the NHIA will keep up its nationwide regional engagements to make sure frontline staff and administrators of health facilities are fully aware of its implications.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
