The Government of Ghana has officially launched the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, dubbed Mahama Cares, aimed at providing financial assistance to patients battling chronic diseases such as kidney failure, cancer, and heart conditions.
The launch event was held on Tuesday, April 29, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra.
Speaking at the ceremony, President John Dramani Mahama urged the private sector to channel their corporate social responsibility efforts into supporting the fund, which he described as a critical step toward improving healthcare outcomes for vulnerable citizens.
For his part, Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasized that the project – which is long overdue – is designed to promote fairness in healthcare access, especially for those who struggle with the cost of treatment.
He disclosed that a draft bill outlining the fund’s management framework would soon be presented to Parliament.
The Minister also revealed a significant policy shift involving the removal of the national health insurance firm. This move is targeted towards unlocking substantial resources to ensure that a dedicated allocation of funds will support the Mahama Cares Programme.
The Mahama Cares Fund is expected to serve as a major lifeline for patients suffering from life-threatening conditions who cannot afford essential medical care.