A special audit exercise undertaken by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has found 10 national health insurance scheme managers, accountants and five service providers in the Ashanti Region culpable of misappropriating funds.

At Atwima Nwabiagya District, the scheme overpaid four service providers 7,544.30 Ghana cedis, and the scheme manager, accountant and claims manager were directed to refund the money immediately.  

At Asante Akim North District, the scheme manager misappropriated GH¢ 7,650 being premium and processing fees, and in addition transferred GH¢ 25,906 of claims monies for administrative purposes.   

Findings at Asante Akim South District showed that the scheme could not account for GH¢ 3,393 of premium collected and also transferred 44,320 Ghana cedis for administrative purposes.   

At Offinso District the scheme transacted business with unaccredited providers who did not submit claims, but were reimbursed for services provided.   

It was directed to cease any transaction with Apikrist and A.A Adams Pharmacies.  

At Ejisu Juaben District, the scheme could not account for 5,145 Ghana cedis being premium collected and the scheme manager together with the accountant were asked to refund the money.   

On indiscriminate use of monies meant to pay claims for other purposes, the report said Manhyia Sub-Metropolitan Scheme had acquired a building for use as an office accommodation at a cost of 148,000, Ghana cedis and the scheme manager was asked to step aside, while investigations continued.   

It said the scheme manager at Afigya Sekyere District misapplied 133,351.87 Ghana cedis meant for claims for administrative purposes, and the manager was asked to step aside while investigations continued.   

At Subin Sub-Metropolitan Area, the scheme spent 23,702 Ghana cedis on preliminary expenses towards the acquisition of a piece of land but it is yet to acquire the land.   

The report called on schemes to seek the approval of the NHIA before transferring claims’ monies for other purposes.

PF