NHIA says increase in tariffs will increase support to NHIS providers
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced that healthcare providers across Ghana are set to receive significantly increased financial support from January 2026, as the Authority prepares to implement a projected 120% upward adjustment in service tariffs.
According to the NHIA, the revised tariffs — among the most comprehensive reforms to Ghana’s health financing system in recent years — will only take effect after formal approval from the Minister for Health, in line with statutory requirements.
The adjustment is expected to improve service delivery, enhance the sustainability of health facilities, and boost the overall patient experience under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Addressing health sector leaders from the Volta and Oti Regions at a regional training programme, Dr Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations, speaking on behalf of the NHIA Chief Executive Officer, commended the Independent Clinical Experts’ Group for developing evidence-based tariffs that reflect the actual cost of healthcare services.
He explained that although the headline increment is 180%, the effective increase in claims reimbursements will average at least 120%, depending on the service mix provided by each facility.
Dr Djokoto attributed the breakthrough to the government’s decision to uncap the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which has made an additional GH¢3.4 billion available for improved healthcare delivery.
“The uncapping of the NHIF by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama gives us the fiscal space to implement the reviewed tariffs, roll out the Free Primary Healthcare programme, and dedicate resources to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund for chronic disease support.”
Dr Djokoto also raised concerns about the persistence of illegal charges in some health facilities.
He stressed that with the introduction of realistic tariffs, the NHIA will step up its enforcement measures, noting that a task force commissioned by NHIA CEO, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, identified tariff alignment as a key tool in eliminating unauthorised payments.
Healthcare leaders at the training welcomed the impending reforms, describing them as timely and necessary.
Rev Prof. Adukwei Hesse, a World Bank consultant on the tariff review process, described the new structure as “comprehensive and consistent with global best practices.”
Similarly, Dr Isaac Koranteng, a Consultant Obstetrician at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, expressed optimism that the revised tariffs will reduce illegal co-payments, restore provider confidence, and enhance patient welfare.
The NHIA will continue its nationwide regional engagements to ensure health facility managers and frontline staff fully understand the implications of the new tariff regime ahead of its rollout.
