Mahama Explains How Three Healthcare Programmes Will Support Ghanaian Patients

President John Dramani Mahama has warned hospitals and other health facilities against demanding additional payments from patients who present valid National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards, saying facilities found engaging in the practice will face sanctions.

The President issued the warning on November 6, 2026, while addressing the 68th Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Medical Association at Central University in Prampram.

Mahama said he had received complaints that some patients were still being asked to pay extra money before receiving healthcare services, despite being covered by the NHIS.

He disclosed that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) was monitoring facilities across the country to identify those imposing charges outside the approved insurance arrangements.

“I have received complaints that, despite patients presenting their NHIS cards, some facilities still demand money from them before providing services,” he said.

The President added that any facility found charging unauthorised fees would be dealt with, making it clear that patients should not be subjected to payments that fall outside the scheme’s approved arrangements.

Beyond the warning, Mahama used the occasion to explain the government’s plans to strengthen healthcare delivery through three major programmes: Free Primary Healthcare, the uncapped NHIS and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares.

He said the initiatives were designed to create a continuous healthcare system, beginning with screening and early diagnosis at the community level and extending to specialised treatment for serious medical conditions.

Free Primary Healthcare, launched in April 2026, is expected to bring screening and treatment of selected conditions closer to communities. The NHIS will support treatment at district-level facilities and above, while MahamaCares is intended to assist patients requiring specialised care for selected serious conditions beyond existing NHIS coverage.

On funding, the President disclosed that the 2026 Budget allocated approximately GH¢22.8 billion to the Ministry of Health and its agencies, alongside GH¢11.3 billion for transfers to the National Health Insurance Fund. MahamaCares received an allocation of GH¢2.26 billion.

He also said uncapping the NHIS fund had improved the reliability of healthcare financing, allowing the NHIA to make monthly payments for submitted and vetted claims.

Additionally, service tariffs had been increased by 50% since August 2026 to help health facilities manage their finances, purchase medical supplies and sustain services.

Mahama urged healthcare stakeholders to remain alert to fraud and waste as the government works to strengthen the system.

Source: https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Mahama-threatens-sanctions-against-hospitals-charging-NHIS-patients-extra-fees-2060176

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