The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has issued a warning to four health Facilities in the Upper West Region for charging National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) members for services covered by the scheme. The facilities identified include the Upper West Regional Hospital, Lawra Municipal Hospital, St. Theresa's Hospital in Nandom, and the Babile Polyclinic.

Mr. Samuel Lobber Lekamwe, the Upper West Regional Director of the NHIA, issued the caution during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of the Authority's 2023 regional annual performance review meeting held in Wa. He emphasized that Charging Illegal Fees undermines the sustainability of the NHIS and erodes member confidence.

Mr. Lekamwe warned NHIS-accredited facilities in the region and the country at large to cease charging illegal fees or face the risk of losing their credentials. The NHIA is closely monitoring these facilities and will take immediate action if the practice persists.

According to Mr. Lekamwe, illegal fee charges pose a significant threat to the NHIS, as they deter members from renewing their subscriptions. He expressed frustration over NHIS clients being asked to pay for services covered by their insurance, stating that such practices impose financial hardship on them.

Mr. Lekamwe highlighted that some public health facilities justify these charges by citing the need to pay utility bills directed by the government. However, he stressed that burdening NHIS clients with these costs is unjust, urging facilities to negotiate with the government instead.

Additionally, Mr. Lekamwe announced that the NHIA is reviewing its tariffs for medicines and services to accommodate the needs of health facilities due to inflation. He also emphasized the importance of public education to empower NHIS members to challenge illegal charges at accredited facilities.

Mr. Titus Sorey, the NHIA Northern Belt Director, echoed the need for increased public education to equip NHIS members with the knowledge to confront illegal charges effectively. This concerted effort aims to protect the rights of NHIS beneficiaries and uphold the integrity of the scheme.