The NHIA says facilities under the GHS and CHAG directives must not demand extra payments from NHIS members for services the scheme already covers.

Published 12 Nov 2026, 21:23 GMT

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The National Health Insurance Authority has endorsed separate directives by the Ghana Health Service and the Christian Health Association of Ghana ordering their facilities to stop imposing unauthorised charges on NHIS members.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, the authority said the directives, issued on November 9 and November 11, require providers to ensure patients are not compelled to pay for services covered by the scheme.

They reinforce the order President John Mahama gave the NHIA to sanction hospitals charging NHIS cardholders illegal fees, which we reported last Sunday.

The NHIA described the directives as an important demonstration of institutional commitment towards protecting members and restoring confidence in the scheme, building on the zero-tolerance campaign of its Chief Executive, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe.

The Ghana Health Service directive bars facilities from charging valid NHIS cardholders fees outside approved insurance arrangements. The Christian Health Association of Ghana directed its member institutions to implement revised NHIA-approved tariffs, update billing systems and strengthen internal compliance monitoring.

The enforcement push follows financing reforms the authority says have removed the excuse for such charges.

The authority said it would intensify monitoring, investigations and enforcement, including nationwide compliance audits and taskforce operations, working with provider leadership and regional and district health directorates.

What to do if you are asked to pay

Members are entitled to every service in the NHIS benefit package without unauthorised payments. Anyone asked to pay for a covered service should not pay, and should report the facility to the authority through its contact channels:

NHIA Call Centre: short code 6447, or 054 444 6447 / 0302 74 6447
The authority's social media platforms

The NHIA thanked the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, and the Executive Director of the Christian Health Association of Ghana, Dr Peter Yeboah, for prioritising patient welfare.

Araba IncoomAraba Incoom writes on multiple topics with a vast knowledge across different sector. You can almost call me an AI, after all, my initials are Araba Incoom.

NHIA backs GHS and CHAG orders against unauthorised NHIS charges

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