The government has announced a major increase in payments under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), with tariffs to health service providers rising by an average of 120% starting in 2026.
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, made the announcement during the Government Accountability Series on Monday, December 1, 2025.
For years, hospitals and clinics have complained that NHIS payments are too low and do not cover the real cost of treatment. This has caused some facilities to reject NHIS patients or demand extra payments. The minister admitted that these concerns were valid.
“The tariffs we give to service providers are unrealistic. That is why the government has decided to increase them by 120% on average from next year,” he said.
According to Mr. Akandoh, the increase will help health facilities improve the quality of care they provide. With higher payments, hospitals will be able to buy essential medicines, maintain equipment, and treat NHIS patients without running at a loss.
The move is also expected to restore confidence in the NHIS system and reduce illegal out-of-pocket charges demanded from patients.
About 18 million Ghanaians are currently registered with the NHIS, and the new tariffs are aimed at ensuring they receive better and more reliable healthcare services.
More details about specific increases for different treatments and diseases will be released before the end of the year.
