Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has stated that the decision to revoke the licenses of credentialed healthcare providers charging illegal fees is non-negotiable.
According to him, the NHIA pays 1.5 billion cedis annually to healthcare providers for claims submitted to the Authority, so it is unreasonable to demand additional funds from NHIS members in times of need.
He stressed that any healthcare provider caught acting with impunity would face severe consequences.
We are making sure our members are properly taken care of. We are ready to revoke the credentials of healthcare facilities who make extra monetary demands from our members with impunity
Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye
On December 1, 2022, Dr. Okoe-Boye expressed his reservations during a meeting with the Upper East Regional Minister.
Upper East Regional Minister Stephen Yakubu praised the NHIA executive management and governing board’s bond.
He claimed that the NHIS has primarily benefited the people of the northern belt because it is pro-poor.
The Regional Minister praised the NHIA’s recent innovations, including the Mobile Renewal platform and the linkage of the Ghana card and the NHIS card.
Dr. Okoe-Boye also paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of Paga traditional area, saying, “We trust that our revered father, the Pagapio, will continue with his blessings and good counsel to enable the NHIA to make progress in ensuring that all residents in Ghana are covered by the NHIS.”
“We encourage the entire Kassena Nankana population to enroll in the Scheme in order to gain access to affordable and high-quality healthcare.”
He stated that all residents in Ghana and beyond would soon be able to register for the NHIS online through a digital platform that would be officially launched in Tamale by Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
He emphasized the importance of NHIS members renewing their membership on a regular basis by dialing the dedicated short code *929#.
Pe Pwanalunga-Charles Awiah Awampaga II, the Pagapio, praised the NHIA’s executive management and the Governing Board for reaching out to him.
He made a firm commitment to assisting the NHIA in increasing NHIS active membership in his traditional area.
The Pagapio pleaded with Dr. Okoe Boye and the Governing Board to open a second office in the area.
The team visited the NHIS Navrongo district office and spoke with staff about their accomplishments and challenges.
On November 28, 2022, the NHIA Chief Executive began a working visit to the northern belt, which included the Northern, North East, Savannah, and Upper East regions, but not the Upper West region.
The nationwide working tour was to interface with major stakeholders including traditional leaders, administrative heads and staff of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
He is being accompanied by some NHIA Board members and Directors, among others.
