The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that the government paid GH¢2.6 billion to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2025 to settle outstanding claims and debts owed to health service providers.
Addressing Parliament, Mr Akandoh explained that the payment was intended to clear arrears accumulated over previous years and restore confidence among healthcare providers who rely on timely reimbursements from the scheme.
He also disclosed that the government has fully disbursed GH¢1.5 billion to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Care, as part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in the country.
The minister made the disclosure while responding to questions from the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, during parliamentary proceedings.
According to Mr Akandoh, these payments form part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the NHIS and ensure that hospitals and other healthcare facilities receive prompt reimbursements for services provided to insured patients.
He also criticised the persistent build-up of NHIS arrears under the previous administration, noting that although GH¢5.68 billion was paid in claims between 2020 and 2023, debts continued to accumulate.
Established to provide affordable healthcare to Ghanaians, the NHIS has in recent years faced concerns over delayed reimbursements to service providers. Government officials say the latest disbursement is part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving the scheme’s financial sustainability and strengthening healthcare delivery nationwide.
READ ALSO:
Ghana records 1,038 Mpox cases, eight deaths since outbreak began – Health Minister
Four injured Ghanaian soldiers responding to treatment in Lebanon — GAF
