NHIS Membership Hits 76% as Government Clears GH¢963m Claims Arrears – Deputy CEO

By – Sadat Dabo

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri, has highlighted significant achievements of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama during the launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme in Bolgatanga East

Addressing the gathering, Madam Bogobiri said the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund had transformed the NHIS, particularly in claims payments, membership growth and investments in primary healthcare.
She disclosed that by April 2025, the government had cleared outstanding claims arrears of approximately GH¢963 million owed to healthcare providers. Since then, claims have been paid consistently on a monthly basis, restoring confidence among service providers and improving healthcare delivery

According to her, the NHIA paid more than GH¢2 billion in claims across the country in 2025, with over GH¢150 million going to health facilities in the Upper East Region. Between January and July 2026, an additional GH¢1.4 billion was paid nationwide, of which more than GH¢100 million was disbursed to healthcare facilities in the Upper East Region

Madam Bogobiri also reported significant growth in NHIS membership, stating that active membership increased from 54 percent at the end of 2024 to 66 percent by the close of 2025, reaching 76 percent nationally by June 2026. The Upper East Region also recorded an active membership rate of 76 percent, while an estimated 17 million Ghanaians had accessed healthcare services through the NHIS since last year.
On the implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, she revealed that government had invested about GH¢400 million to retool health facilities across the country. She added that GH¢36 million was released last week to 107 district health facilities nationwide to support the rollout of the programme

In the Upper East Region, GH¢4.2 million was disbursed to 14 district health facilities. She explained that the funds are paid directly to district health facilities to eliminate delays and ensure resources are available at the point of care

The Deputy CEO further announced that the NHIA has introduced a cashless revenue collection system across all district offices. Under the new arrangement, no cash will be accepted for NHIS registration and renewal, a move aimed at improving transparency, accountability and audit processes.
She also highlighted the introduction of the One-Time Authentication Code (OTAC), an innovation designed to validate claims and ensure value for money. She noted that the Upper East Region is currently piloting the system.
Madam Bogobiri reaffirmed the NHIA’s commitment to supporting government’s vision of achieving universal health coverage through sustained investments in healthcare and continuous strengthening of the National Health Insurance Scheme

She said the interventions demonstrate government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services

Source – gbcuraonline.com