The launch of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF)—also known as the Mahama Cares Initiative took place on Tuesday at the University of Ghana Medical Center. The launch signals a bold and timely response to Ghana’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). With conditions such as stroke, cancer, kidney failure, and diabetes on the rise, the GMTF presents a critical shift in healthcare financing, targeting individuals who currently fall through the cracks of the existing health insurance scheme.
Here is all we gathered about the initiative so far;
A Response to a National Health Crisis
Ghana is experiencing a sharp increase in NCD-related deaths, which now account for 43% of all-cause mortality. These include cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, diabetes, and mental health conditions. Strikingly, the 18–45 age group—the country’s most productive demographic—bears the brunt of this crisis, affecting both workforce capacity and national development.
The economic toll on affected families is devastating. Treatment costs for chronic conditions average GHS 53,000 (USD 3,300) annually, pushing 65% of households into catastrophic health expenditures. Studies indicate that 75% of patients with chronic illnesses risk falling into poverty within five years, often leaving families burdened with debt.
Strong Public Support, Broad Policy Backing
A nationwide survey found 79% of Ghanaians support the Fund, with over half expressing readiness to contribute monthly. The GMTF is grounded in Ghana’s broader health policy agenda, including:
- National Health Policy (2020)
- Universal Health Coverage Roadmap (2020–2030)
- Essential Health Services Package (2022–2030)
- National Policy on Non-Communicable Diseases (2022)
These frameworks collectively emphasize people-centred, equitable healthcare for all.
How the Fund Will Operate
The GMTF will mobilize funding to support treatment and medication for chronic conditions not fully covered by the NHIS, including:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Chronic kidney failure (including free dialysis support)
- Stroke
Support will focus on specialist-level care, but with added investments in health infrastructure, medical equipment, specialist training, and research.
Key features include:
- Early screening and diagnosis, with volunteers conducting basic health checks in communities
- Capacity building to train more specialists across disciplines
- Claims and eligibility management via a national digital registry, supported by third-party administrators and patient navigators
- Oversight by an independent public trust, with a board of trustees and a dedicated secretariat
Complementing the NHIS
The GMTF fills critical gaps left by the NHIS, especially in high-cost and long-term care. The removal of the NHIS Fund cap now allows part of its allocation to directly support GMTF activities—signalling strong fiscal and policy alignment.
System-Wide Benefits
Beyond patients, the Fund promises wider gains for the healthcare system:
- Reduces financial pressure on tertiary hospitals
- Improves early detection and care through outreach
- Boosts morale and capacity of healthcare workers
- Encourages public-private collaboration and innovation
- Supports health training institutions through specialist-focused curriculum development and field training
Who Can Benefit?
- Patients: Access to subsidized or fully covered specialist care
- Healthcare professionals: Opportunities for specialist training and improved service tools
- Private sector and development partners: Channels to contribute via CSR and targeted partnerships
- Diaspora and general public: Platforms for voluntary contributions to sustain the Fund
Funding Sources
The Fund will be sustained through:
- Government and NHIS allocations
- Private sector contributions
- Development partner support
- Philanthropic donations
Donations made thus far
At the launch of the Fund, some donations were made to the Fund, a gesture that was initiated by the chairman of the steering committee, Prof Ayeetey who donated a $1000 on behalf of the steering committee.
This was followed by the President, John Dramani Mahama who promised six (6) months of his salary to the fund. The following contributions were made;
- Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akando, 3 months salary
- Other Ministers present 1month salary
- Chief of staff of the Vice President 4months salary
- Vice President 4months salary
- Seidu Agongo 500,000
- Ghana Medical Association (GMA) GHC100,000
- Ghana Registered Nurse’s and Midwives Association (GRNMA) GHC150,000
- Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) 50,000
- Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, CEO, NHIA, 1month salary
- Dr Kaba, Director General of Ghana Health Service (GHS) 1month salary
- Chief director of the MOH 100,000
- Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana 50,000
- Bernice Naa Ashaley Armah Public Health Nurse 5,000
- Presidential staffer 10,000
