The Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG) has called on the government to deposit all funds collected from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) levy directly into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Fund.

Speaking during a media engagement on Monday April 7, General Secretary of the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana, Frank Torblu Richard stated that this resolve the delay in payments for services rendered by health service providers.

“...So what is the essence of having the NHIS fund? We are strongly suggesting to the government that the money from the NHIS levy should go straight to the NHIA fund. Only then can we ensure timely payments to health providers and better healthcare for Ghanaians,” Frank Torblu Richard said.

According to him, the current method—where NHIS funds pass through the consolidated fund, the Bank of Ghana, and other channels—slows down the process and leaves healthcare providers waiting for months to be paid.

He stressed that although the NHIS fund has been uncapped, the delayed payment will continue if the money is not sent directly to the NHIA for disbursement. The PHFAoG also reminded the government that the NHIA was set up under Act 650, which clearly states how funds should be managed.

"It is only when that is done that we will have a clear way to have a very good health care service in this country aside that we are going to have this challenge over and over despite the fact that the NHIS fund has been uncapped. It will still amount to nothing if the money is not given to the NHIA directly to pay the health care service providers rather than going through all the process, " he added.

The Act 650 (Act National Health Insurance Act, 2003) is aimed at providing universal health insurance coverage for residents of Ghana, ensuring access to basic healthcare services. It introduced the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which replaced the "cash-and-carry" system that required patients to pay upfront for medical services.

PHFAoG’s plea comes on the back of frustration over the National Health Insurance Authority's (NHIA) failure to pay them their over ₵150 million arrears for NHIS services rendered.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has given assurance to to settle outstanding arrears, but the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG) says its members are yet to receive any payment alerts on their accounts.

PHFAOG has suspended health insurance services to National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cardholders at all member facilities across the country.

In January this year, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) disbursed GH¢270 million to healthcare providers across the country to settle claims submitted and vetted up to October 2024 and part of November 2024.

A statement signed on January 3 by the former Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, indicated that the payments were made within the agreed three-month reimbursement timeline, adding that there were no outstanding vetted claims pending payment at the time.