NHIS in financial Crisis as Government Owes Scheme GH¢ 2.4 Billion In Arrears

The financial sustainability of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is at serious risk due to the increasing government debt owed to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIS).

As per the latest reports, the government owes the NHIA a staggering GH¢2.4 billion in arrears from July 2023 to February 2024, leading to a serious a financial strain on the NHIA.

This debt impacts the NHIA’s ability to promptly reimburse healthcare providers, leading to a cascading effect of financial instability within the healthcare system.

Hospitals and clinics often face delays in receiving payments for services rendered, which sometimes resulted in reduced service quality, stockouts of essential medicines, and delays in the implementation of critical health programs.

The remaining arrears was after the government released GH¢700 million for May, June and part of July 2023.

Chairman of the Health Committee of Parliament, Dr. Ayew Afriyie, who made this known said, “we are clear in our minds that if these releases and the strategy being put forward progresses, they will clear these arrears.

“Payment of arrears has been an issue in the social health finances space for a long period of time and as a committee we will correct the wrongs.”

He said these after the members of the Health Committee engaged representatives from four public institutions to discuss the long delays in releasing funds by the government to the NHIA.

The GH¢2.4 billion arrears owed by the government to the NHIA represents a significant challenge to Ghana’s healthcare system.

Timely and effective action is needed to address this financial shortfall to prevent further deterioration of healthcare services.

Ensuring the financial health of the NHIS is crucial for maintaining the progress made in healthcare accessibility and equity over the past two decades.

By Leo Nelson || ghananewsonline.com.gh