Tamale, March 27, GNA - The Northern Region Directorate of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has paid about GH¢15 million to service providers in the Tamale Metropolis. It paid GH¢1,177,273.28 to management of Tamale Teaching Hospital and GH¢14 million to other 22 service providers in the metropolis. Mr Hudu Issah, Northern Regional Manager of NHIS told GNA in Tamale on Friday that with regard to Tamale Teaching Hospital the face value of the claims submitted were paid with the understanding that if there were any discrepancies after vetting, whatever amount realised would be deducted from their subsequent claims.

"This is because the hospital offered a lot of services to the public and any delay in defraying their debts would bring untold hardship to the hospital's administration, " he said. Mr Issah said the directorate would continue to pay off debts of service providers when submitted to enable them offer quality service to the public.

He explained that the delay in defraying debts from the hospital was because the Tamale Metro Mutual Health Insurance Directorate delayed in applying for funds from Accra and was optimistic that prompt payments would be made as soon as it received claims for payments. Mr Issah advised the public to constantly renew their insurance and those sceptic about its success should register to benefit from quality health care delivery.