The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, has warned credentialed health facilities against charging National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) members unauthorised fees, threatening sanctions against providers who demand payments for services covered by the scheme.
During an engagement with the NHIA’s Volta Regional team, Dr Bampoe described illegal charges and claims fraud as threats to the scheme’s sustainability and public confidence. He maintained that members must not pay out of pocket for services covered by the NHIS.
“We are not going to give anybody any quarter because, under the directive of the Board of Directors of the NHIA and the Minister, we are taking a different turn. So, let us be advised.”
Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Asare Bampoe
He emphasised that the Authority’s response would be guided by the directive of its Board and the Minister, signalling a tougher approach to facilities that disregard the scheme’s rules. The warning places providers on notice that credentialing does not permit them to impose charges outside approved benefits or procedures at accredited facilities.
NHIA warns facilities over illegal NHIS charges
Dr Bampoe identified unauthorised payments as one of the biggest challenges confronting the scheme, warning that the practice was gradually eroding public trust and confidence
He stressed that Ghanaians must not pay additional fees for healthcare services covered by their NHIS membership.
He argued that government could not commit significant resources to the scheme while members were denied their entitlements. Since the NHIS depends largely on taxpayers’ contributions, he described additional charges for covered services as unfair.
“It is not fair that the Ghanaian taxpayer, upon whose sweat we obtain the resources to carry out our work, will have to visit a health facility and still put their hands into their pockets to pay,”
Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Asare Bampoe
He further cautioned providers and individuals who facilitate the practice, urging anyone involved directly or indirectly, or aware of those collecting illegal payments, to change their conduct.
Claims fraud threatens NHIS sustainability
Dr Bampoe also identified claims fraud as a serious concern, linking it with illegal charges as practices that undermine the scheme’s objectives and threaten its long-term sustainability.
He recalled that the NHIS was established to reduce inequalities in healthcare access and ensure that medical treatment remained a right rather than a privilege.
“The financial burden of illness has pushed some families into poverty, while inequitable access to healthcare has perpetuated disparities that can no longer be tolerated. The NHIS was established precisely to address these challenges and bridge the gap,”
Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Asare Bampoe
He called on NHIA staff to support management’s efforts to address fraudulent claims and illegal charges, stressing that protecting the scheme required collective commitment and accountability.
He stressed that these practices undermine the Authority’s mandate and public confidence in a taxpayer-funded scheme.
olta membership mobilisation exceeds 80 per cent
On regional performance, Dr Bampoe commended the Volta Regional team for its membership mobilisation efforts, which have covered more than 80 per cent of the region’s estimated population.
He urged staff to sustain the progress and work towards ensuring that every resident could access quality healthcare without financial barriers.
“We cannot allow it to happen. If you are involved directly or indirectly, or know people involved in illegal payments, advise yourself,”
Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Asare Bampoe
The regional update indicated that Volta was on course to meet its membership targets for the year. The region’s projected population for 2026 stood at approximately 1.48 million, while active NHIS membership had reached 1,424,834, representing 80.9 per cent of the annual target.
Dr Bampoe disclosed that the NHIA currently operated offices in 13 of the Volta Region’s 18 districts. The Authority intends to establish offices in the remaining districts, subject to approval by its Board, to achieve full regional coverage.
The expansion would bring NHIA services closer to residents.
He also raised concern over reports that some district managers and staff at the regional office were undermining the authority of the Volta Regional Director.
The chief executive warned that staff found disrespecting or attempting to weaken the Regional Director’s authority would face disciplinary action. He urged employees to respect established reporting lines and organisational structures.
“It is not about her, but about the office she holds,” he stated, underscoring that respect for the position was essential to effective administration.
Dr Bampoe urged staff and providers to protect the scheme and ensure members receive covered services without extra charges.
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