The management of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has proposed an upward review of its existing patient levy from GH¢2 to GH¢5 to help sustain operations at the Children’s Ward Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
According to hospital authorities, about 64 percent of patients admitted to the ICU are unable to pay for the critical services they receive, as these costs are not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, disclosed this during a visit by the Parliamentary Health Committee on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
“We are making a case to engage the NHIS. At the same time, we are proposing to increase the levy from GH¢2 to GH¢5 for patients who come to Korle-Bu. It is just a small levy, but it will go a long way,” he explained.
Management further noted that the burden of unpaid bills remains a major challenge. “Currently, 64 percent of the bills remain outstanding. The social welfare unit often has to intervene because we cannot keep patients here indefinitely. And if we do, it means the hospital has to bear the cost of feeding them. Unfortunately, these services are not covered under NHIS,” the statement added.
