The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, has expressed concern over the growing incidence of illegal fees being charged at some health facilities across the country.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s “The Point of View” with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, November 26, Dr. Bampoe acknowledged that illegal out-of-pocket charges remain a significant challenge within the healthcare system.
He explained that the NHIA is pursuing a three-point agenda aimed at improving the overall patient experience, which includes eliminating unauthorized payments at hospitals.
“One of my key priorities is ensuring that patients enjoy a positive experience when they visit hospitals. Unfortunately, that is not the case in many facilities, as patients are still being asked to pay out-of-pocket,” he said.
Dr. Bampoe noted that some healthcare providers attribute the problem to what they consider unrealistic NHIA tariffs. According to them, the tariffs do not adequately cover the cost of services, prompting some facilities to impose unofficial charges on patients.
“Health providers tell us the tariffs we pay are not realistic, and that is why this is happening. Our belief is that once we address the tariff issue, there will be no justification for asking patients to pay additional fees,” he added.
His comments come at a time when the NHIA is working to strengthen accountability, enhance efficiency, and ensure better value in Ghana’s healthcare delivery system.
Source; Citinewsroom


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