The Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG) has commended the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and government for what it describes as a significant improvement in the payment of health insurance claims, saying more predictable reimbursements are easing years of financial pressure on healthcare providers.
In a statement issued on October 2, 2026, the Association said the leadership of the NHIA under Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, together with Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has demonstrated greater responsiveness to the financing concerns of healthcare providers since January 2025.
The Association, which said it had previously been vocal about delays in claims payments, noted that it was equally important to acknowledge improvements when providers receive better treatment.
“For years, providers carried the burden of delayed reimbursements, forcing many facilities to borrow, ration supplies or cut services,” the Association said.
According to the statement, the improvement followed the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund, after which the NHIA committed to reimbursing vetted claims swiftly and regularly.
The Association said more than GH¢157 million was released in May 2026 for April payments, including arrears dating back to 2019 and vetted claims up to March 2026.
It said another GH¢256.5 million was paid in July and August, while a subsequent GH¢281.66 million disbursement brought total claims payments in 2026 to GH¢1.64 billion across public, private and mission health facilities.
PHFAoG said regular reimbursement is critical to the survival of health facilities because delayed payments affect their ability to purchase medicines and supplies, meet operational expenses and maintain services to patients.
The Association also welcomed the NHIA’s commitment to publish details of paid claims and strengthen monitoring of healthcare facilities, arguing that greater accountability from both providers and the Authority would contribute to the sustainability of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
It further disclosed that discussions with the NHIA had included assurances of a dedicated private-sector desk to strengthen engagement between the Authority and credentialed private healthcare groups, which the Association said it was awaiting.
Association credits Finance Ministry
PHFAoG also credited the Finance Minister with facilitating the release of funds to the health insurance system, noting that budgetary allocations alone cannot settle claims unless the required cash is released.
The Association cited the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy, increases in NHIS tariffs and financing for the government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme as measures that have improved the flow of resources into healthcare delivery.
It consequently described timely claims payment as an important test of public financial management, arguing that government’s ability to honour its obligations reduces arrears and gives healthcare providers greater certainty in planning their operations.
The Association also welcomed what it described as the Finance Minister’s forward planning, citing government’s announcement that it had begun making provision towards the GH¢54 billion Domestic Debt Exchange obligation due in 2027.
Private facilities seek role in Agenda 111
Turning to the broader health sector, the Association welcomed the Health Minister’s proposal for greater private-sector participation in the completion and operationalisation of Agenda 111 health facilities.
“We are ready and willing to engage the major stakeholders to actualise this dream,” the statement said.
PHFAoG also appealed to the Ministry of Health to consider posting nurses and other health professionals to private healthcare facilities, with the Association proposing that private facilities take responsibility for any necessary salary top-ups.
Despite acknowledging progress, the Association urged government and the NHIA to maintain predictable releases and monthly claims payments, protect earmarked NHIS revenues, sustain engagement with providers to resolve claims-vetting disputes promptly and introduce a claims adjudication committee.
For its part, the Association pledged to provide quality and ethical healthcare, submit accurate and properly documented claims, avoid unauthorised charges to patients and cooperate with audits and reforms.
“A health system is only as strong as its financing. When claims are paid promptly, facilities restock, workers are motivated and patients receive better care,” PHFAoG General Secretary Frank-Torblu Richard said in the statement.
