The government has launched the Ghana Medical Trust Fund — branded Mahama Cares to provide financial relief for Ghanaians battling chronic diseases such as kidney failure, cancer, and heart conditions.
President John Dramani Mahama unveiled the initiative on Tuesday, April 29, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra.
The fund is intended to offer a lifeline to patients who are often unable to afford life-saving treatment.
In a heartfelt appeal, President Mahama urged corporate Ghana to channel part of their annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) budgets into supporting the fund.
“This fund is meant for your clients, your customers, and even your own staff,” he said.
“So, at the end of the year, I urge all corporations private or public to donate a portion of their CSR allocations to the Ghana Medical Fund. It will save lives.”
Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, described Mahama Cares as a long-overdue intervention to reduce inequality in access to healthcare.
He revealed that a draft bill outlining the governance and management of the fund has been prepared and will be laid before Parliament once it resumes.
“Most importantly, the cap on the National Health Insurance Fund has been lifted,” he announced.
“This has unlocked significant resources, ensuring that a portion is now dedicated to supporting the Mahama Cares programme.”
The fund is expected to supplement the National Health Insurance Scheme by directly supporting patients whose conditions require expensive and sustained care.
By: J.W Quarm
