Ghana to create task force to combat unauthorized payments in health insurance system — MyJoyOnline
The Asutifi South District Assembly in Ghana plans to form a special task force to combat unauthorized payments charged to patients under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This was reported by MyJoyOnline.
Monitoring of healthcare facilities
District Chief Executive Benjamin Assabil Darko said that the task force will monitor healthcare facilities, receive complaints from patients and pass information to the district leadership for action against violations.
Regional authorities warned healthcare providers of possible arrest and prosecution in the event of illegal charges. According to MyJoyOnline, additional payments outside the services provided under the insurance scheme undermine the NHIS: they increase costs for current members and may discourage other residents from registering.
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Insurance scheme coverage
The issue was considered on September 10 in Hwidiem during a mid-year performance review meeting of the district office of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). District Manager Joseph Sarkodie reported a plan to achieve 80% population coverage under the insurance scheme. To this end, community outreach, public meetings and door-to-door registration are to be conducted.
NHIA Ahafo Regional Director George Mawuli said that comprehensive monitoring mechanisms are already in place at healthcare facilities. Meeting participants also assessed the pilot use of the OTAC one-time attendance code in the Ahafo Region, updated NHIA tariffs and organizational challenges. Traditional leaders and other participants called for expanding the list of medicines covered by the scheme, including paracetamol and vitamin C.
