Omanghana
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has praised the Ghana Medical Trust Fund for exceeding expectations in its first year, describing it as an important intervention in expanding access to specialized healthcare.
Speaking at the fund’s first-anniversary celebration, held under the theme “One Year On – An Evening of Reflection,” the minister credited its progress to cooperation between government, medical professionals and other stakeholders.
“Within just one year, the Fund has exceeded expectations,” he said.
Mr. Akandoh said the initiative was helping address financial barriers that prevent patients from receiving treatment for complex and chronic conditions. He urged healthcare professionals and the fund’s management to maintain transparency and accountability in the use of resources.
The fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, has supported efforts to improve specialist healthcare capacity. Among its infrastructure interventions is the reconstruction and expansion of the Cardiac Chattelization Laboratory at the National Cardiothoracic Centre of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The facility reopened in July 2026, restoring critical heart-care services after a fire had damaged the previous laboratory.
Mr. Akandoh also called for stronger public education about the fund. He said citizens needed clear information on available support, eligibility requirements and how to access assistance.
He added that the government was strengthening the National Health Insurance Scheme alongside complementary interventions such as the fund to advance universal health coverage.
The World Health Organization has also commended the fund’s first-year progress in reducing financial hardship for people living with chronic and high-cost diseases. However, it has stressed the importance of sustainable financing to maintain those gains and support continued access to care.
Source: Omanghana
