LOW NHIA TARIFFS CONTINUE TO AFFECT FIBROID TREATMENT IN GHANA

A level 300 student production by Emefa Philipa

Women seeking treatment for uterine fibroids under the National Health Instance Authority(NHIA) continue to face challenges as low insurance payment rates makes it difficult for some health facilities to provide comprehensive care, according Eunice N. Abban, Acting Deputy Director of the Strategic Health Doctorate at the NHIA. The authority says although services are covered under the scheme, the current tariffs paid to the health facilities remain a major concern. Health officials say the low tariffs have placed financial pressure on some accredited facilities providing care

Eunice N.Abban Acting Deputy Director of the Strategic Health Doctorate speaking during an interview

 The NHIA says it works with  health facilities across Ghana, including Ghana Health Service hospitals, Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, and other accredited providers to ensure insured clients receive healthcare nationwide. These facilities operate under an official Tariff Operations Manual, which outlines the approved reimbursement rates for different disease conditions and medical procedures. The Authority expects every accredited provider to comply with these approved tariffs.

Speaking during an interview, the NHIA Director explained that the tariff system was created to standardize healthcare payments across the country. “The tariff have been one of our biggest  challenges because they are currently low for some health facilities ” she said.

However, the Director admitted that the reimbursement rates currently paid to health facilities have become one of the biggest challenges facing healthcare delivery. According to her, many facilities believe the existing tariffs do not adequately cover the cost of providing some medical services, including the management of uterine fibroids. This situation places pressure on hospitals while creating uncertainty for insured patients seeking treatment.

She noted that the NHIA is aware of these concerns and is working towards improvements. “The greater part of the challenge has been that the tariffs are low. We hope clients continue to visit health facilities and are not turned away because of the tariffs. We also pray that after the implementation of the new tariffs, things will get better,” she stated.

Health experts have often emphasized that uterine fibroids are among the most common reproductive health conditions affecting women of childbearing age. While treatment options are available under the National Health Insurance Scheme in accredited facilities, inadequate reimbursement rates may affect the willingness of some facilities to provide certain services promptly or extensively.

The planned tariff review is expected to improve reimbursement for healthcare providers while strengthening service delivery for insured patients. Stakeholders believe that increasing tariffs could encourage more facilities to offer quality treatment without placing additional financial strain on patients seeking care

Patients receiving care at an NHIA-accredited health facility 

Source:Graphic online

With concerns over low tariffs persisting, healthcare providers and patients now await the proposed tariff review in hope that it will bring meaningful improvements to fibroid care under the National Health Insurance scheme, offering renewed hope to women living with uterine fibroids who rely on affordable and timely access to treatment