By Daniel Agbesi Latsu, GNA
Kadjebi (O/R), March 01, GNA – Mr Israel Quarme Ayer, the Senior Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation at the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Oti Regional Office, has identified utilisation dynamics, illegal co-payments and extortion as major challenges distorting the Authority’s performance narrative.
He said the practices significantly affect membership renewal behaviour, coverage growth and overall member confidence in the Scheme.
Mr Ayer disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Kadjebi in the Oti Region.
He said when members enrolled onto the Scheme but failed to utilise healthcare services, the perceived value of membership declines, renewal motivation weakens and word-of-mouth advocacy reduces within communities.
“Low utilisation creates an incomplete performance picture. It affects how we measure growth and impact because active membership is different from mere enrollment,” he explained.
He further noted that illegal co-payments and extortion at some service delivery points discourage beneficiaries from seeking care, thereby eroding trust in the Scheme.
“These unauthorised charges defeat the purpose of financial risk protection under the National Health Insurance Scheme. When members are asked to pay extra, confidence in the system drops,” Mr Ayer said.
In contrast, he indicated that positive service experiences at accredited health facilities significantly improve voluntary renewals and strengthen community-level advocacy.
He said satisfied beneficiaries often become mobilisers, encouraging family members and neighbours to enrol and renew their membership.
Mr Ayer stressed the need for intensified monitoring, stakeholder engagement and strict enforcement of regulations to curb illegal practices and improve service utilisation.
He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to strengthening supervision and public education to ensure that members enjoy the full benefits of the Scheme without exploitation.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo
