President John Dramani Mahama has warned health facilities against charging patients extra fees for services covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), saying those found engaging in the practice will face sanctions.

He said the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) was monitoring health facilities across the country to identify providers demanding additional payments from patients who present valid NHIS cards.

Addressing the 68th Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Medical Association at Central University in Prampram, President Mahama said he had received complaints about the practice and would not tolerate it.

“I have received complaints that, despite patients presenting their NHIS cards, some facilities still demand money from them before providing services,” he said.

He added that the NHIA was investigating such complaints, warning that “any facility found charging patients additional fees outside the approved insurance arrangements will be dealt with.”

The President also outlined the government’s healthcare reforms, centred on Free Primary Healthcare, the uncapped NHIS and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares.

He said the three initiatives were designed to provide patients with a continuous system of care, from early screening and diagnosis to specialised treatment for serious conditions.

“Together, these three programmes are intended to provide a more reliable continuum of care,” he said, stressing the importance of effective referrals and follow-up.

On funding, President Mahama said the 2026 Budget allocated about GH¢22.8 billion to the Ministry of Health and its agencies, alongside GH¢11.3 billion in transfers to the National Health Insurance Fund. 

He said the uncapping of the NHIS fund had improved the reliability of healthcare financing, adding that the NHIA now makes monthly payments for submitted and vetted claims.

The President also noted that service tariffs had been increased by 50 per cent since August 2026, a move intended to give health facilities greater financial stability to procure supplies and sustain services.

He, however, urged stakeholders to guard against fraud and waste to ensure that resources allocated to the health sector are properly used.