President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as “MahamaCares,” a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals living with chronic diseases across the country. The launch event took place on Tuesday, April 29, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra.
The fund is designed to cover the cost of care and medication for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) not currently included under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), thereby complementing it by supporting critical aspects of these conditions. Targeted illnesses include cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney failure, stroke, and others. The initiative particularly aims to support specialist-level treatment for a wide range of chronic illnesses, including cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney failure, stroke, and others.
In his address, President Mahama emphasized the fund’s role in promoting health equity, stating, “This is hope for a future where the quality of life is not determined by one’s ability to pay for essential treatment.” He also shared personal experiences, noting that he had lost his father, mother, friends, and employees to chronic illnesses, underscoring the need for urgent national support systems.
Demonstrating personal commitment, President Mahama pledged to donate six months of his salary to the fund. He appealed to the corporate sector and other stakeholders to contribute to the fund to ensure that individuals battling chronic diseases can access the support they need.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh also announced his personal commitment by donating three months of his salary to the fund. He highlighted the inspiring response from the public, including a generous contribution from a pensioner, as evidence of the wide-reaching impact and public goodwill surrounding the initiative.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund represents a significant step towards a more inclusive healthcare system in Ghana, aiming to alleviate the financial burden of chronic diseases and ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind due to financial constraints.
Photos from the Event
The President really has Ghanaian people in his heart and for that matter the launch. People with clonic deseased are suffering due to financial constraints and end up in a grave. Thank you Mr President. God bless you, long live