Co-payments at health facilities illegal – Health Minister courts CHAG’s support to end practice

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has reaffirmed government’s stance that co-payments charged by some health facilities remain illegal, urging the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) to continue championing ethical practice and patient-centered care across the country.

Addressing the 2025 CHAG Annual Conference in Koforidua, the minister warned that facilities demanding additional fees from insured patients risk sanctions, especially now that government has taken steps to stabilise payments under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Mr. Akandoh said the current administration inherited significant challenges in the NHIS, including delayed claims, tariff gaps and the capping of the National Health Insurance Levy. However, he noted that major improvements have been made to restore confidence and efficiency in the scheme.

“When I was Ranking Member of the Health Committee, one of the consistent cries was the delay in payment of claims. Today, we are paying claims monthly. If your claim has not been paid, then certainly you have not submitted your claims,” the sector minister said.

He emphasised that with these reforms, illegal patient charges are unacceptable.

“Co-payment, actually, is an illegal payment in the health facilities. We fought against illegal payment in the facilities, and as I know who you are, the next time I am invited to any programme, in my speech I will not single out CHAG to be leading the war against illegal payment,” he stressed.

The minister urged health facilities to uphold ethical values, noting that the success of the NHIS depends on accountability from all actors in the healthcare delivery chain.

Some healthcare providers continue to charge patients for services marked as benefits under the National Health Insurance Scheme. The phenomenon is said to have contributed to some patients losing interest in the scheme.

Mr. Akandoh commended CHAG for its exceptional leadership in delivering healthcare in remote and underserved communities, describing its partnership with government as mission-driven rather than transactional.

He affirmed that government would continue to rely on CHAG in executing key national health initiatives, including universal access to care and strengthening service capacity under ongoing reforms.

The minister also underscored the need to protect the human element of healthcare as digital systems, artificial intelligence and telemedicine expand across the health sector.

“The nation looks to you not only to provide medical care, but to preserve the soul of care. In a world of advanced technology, the human touch, the compassion of Christ, and the dignity of every patient must remain central.”

The minister assured the faith-based health network that the government remains committed to completing all inherited health projects, including those under Agenda 111. He announced that faith-based institutions would be invited to partner in completing and managing some of the facilities.

“The President is determined not to abandon any project he inherited. The Church will also be invited to play its role in completing and running the Agenda 111 facilities,” he revealed.

The MP for Juaboso called on all health workers and institutions to blend ethics, excellence and innovation while safeguarding dignity and equity in care delivery.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.