Asutifi South Assembly forms taskforce to stamp out illegal NHIS fees
Stakeholders across the Ahafo Region including traditional authorities, religious leaders, political office holders, media practitioners, policymakers, and healthcare providers have joined hands to declare a firm ‘NO’ to illegal charges and unauthorized out-of-pocket payments within the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Stakeholders from various backgrounds in the Ahafo Region have united to firmly reject illegal charges and unauthorized payments within the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). These extra costs imposed on patients have negatively impacted the NHIS by discouraging existing subscribers and preventing new enrolments. Regional authorities have sent a warning to healthcare providers to stop these illegal practices or face legal consequences, while simultaneously encouraging patients to report extortion to the appropriate authorities.
In response, the Asutifi South District Assembly has taken direct action to cleanse the system and has established a dedicated taskforce to tackle unauthorized fees. The District Chief Executive (DCE) Benjamin Assabil Dorkor explained that the taskforce will be responsible for monitoring health facilities, receiving direct reports from patients, and conveying vital information to the district management to take necessary action against offenders.
During the Mid-Year 2026 Performance Review Meeting of the Asutifi District NHIA, which took place on Thursday, September 10, in Hwediem, Asutifi District Manager Joseph Sarkodie emphasized that the primary objective of the scheme is to guarantee easy access to healthcare for all residents. He outlined plans to achieve an 80 percent coverage target in the district through continuous community education, public meetings, and door-to-door registration efforts.
The Ahafo Regional Director of the NHIA, George Mawuli, stressed that comprehensive monitoring frameworks have been put in place across facilities to eradicate extortion and ensure the proper execution of policies. The assessment meeting also reviewed various operational changes, including the performance of the One Time Attendance Code (OTAC) being tested in the Ahafo region, updated NHIA tariffs, and key institutional obstacles.
The participants and traditional leaders called on the NHIA management to expand the scheme's approved drug list to incorporate basic medications like Paracetamol and Vitamin C at affordable prices. They argued that the exclusion of these basic drugs allows healthcare facilities to sell them directly to patients or refer them to private pharmacies at exorbitant out-of-pocket prices.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
