The Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG) released a statement on October 2, 2026, lauding the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the government for significant improvements in the payment of claims to healthcare providers. The Association said that the more regular and predictable reimbursement of claims is helping to ease the financial pressure that delayed payments had placed on health facilities over the years.
PHFAoG acknowledged the leadership of the NHIA, under Chief Executive Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, and the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, for their responsiveness to concerns relating to healthcare financing and claims payments. The Association noted that delayed reimbursements had previously forced some healthcare facilities to borrow funds, ration medical supplies and manage significant operational challenges. It therefore described the recent improvement in payments as an important development for healthcare providers and patients.
The Association attributed part of the progress to the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund and efforts by the NHIA to ensure that vetted claims are reimbursed more regularly. It noted that more than GH¢157 million was released in May 2026, covering April payments, some arrears dating back to 2019 and vetted claims up to March 2026. This was followed by payments of GH¢256.5 million in July and August and a further GH¢281.66 million, bringing total claims payments in 2026 to GH¢1.64 billion across public, private and mission healthcare facilities.
PHFAoG stressed that predictable claims payments are critical to the effective operation of healthcare facilities, particularly in enabling providers to procure medicines and medical supplies, meet operational costs and maintain quality services for patients. The Association also welcomed measures by the NHIA to strengthen transparency and accountability in claims administration, including the publication of claims payment information and enhanced monitoring of healthcare facilities.
It further welcomed ongoing discussions with the NHIA on establishing a dedicated private‑sector desk to strengthen engagement between the Authority and credentialed private healthcare providers. PHFAoG also acknowledged the role of the Ministry of Finance in facilitating the release of funds to the NHIS, citing the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy, adjustments in NHIS tariffs and funding for the Government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme among measures supporting healthcare financing.
Looking ahead, the Association called for sustained and predictable releases of funds, monthly reimbursement of claims, protection of earmarked NHIS revenues and continued engagement between the NHIA and healthcare providers to address claims‑vetting concerns. It also proposed the establishment of a claims adjudication committee to support the timely resolution of disputes relating to claims.
PHFAoG pledged, on its part, to continue promoting quality and ethical healthcare delivery, submit accurate and properly documented claims, avoid unauthorised charges to NHIS members and cooperate with audits and reforms aimed at strengthening the Scheme. The Association further expressed its readiness to engage relevant stakeholders on proposals for greater private‑sector participation in the completion and operationalisation of Agenda 111 health facilities.
PHFAoG General Secretary Frank‑Torblu Richard emphasised that timely and predictable financing remains essential to sustaining healthcare delivery, enabling facilities to maintain supplies, support health workers and provide the needed services to patients.
