The Ghanaian Parliament has enacted the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Act, 2025, informally known as “Mahama Cares,” establishing a dedicated fund to address critical healthcare gaps and provide financial assistance for medical treatments not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The fund’s establishment aims to bridge the healthcare affordability gap for underprivileged citizens and ensure access to essential medical interventions. The Act’s passage followed intense scrutiny from the Minority caucus, which raised concerns about potential duplication of services provided by the NHIS. However, proponents emphasized the fund’s focus on chronic diseases and specialized care currently outside the NHIS’s purview, highlighting its complementary role in strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.
The Mahama Cares fund will provide crucial support for individuals battling chronic diseases not covered by the NHIS, offering financial relief and access to necessary medical treatments. The initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden on families struggling with the costs of managing chronic conditions. It will also facilitate access to emergency care, ensuring that those in urgent need of medical attention receive prompt and effective treatment regardless of their financial status. By providing an additional layer of financial support, the fund aims to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce health disparities among the population.
The funding mechanism for Mahama Cares involves a multi-faceted approach, drawing resources from various sources to ensure its sustainability. Allocations from the national budget will provide a consistent stream of funding, while voluntary contributions from individuals and organizations will encourage public participation and shared responsibility for healthcare provision. Additionally, the fund will actively seek donor support, leveraging both domestic and international partnerships to maximize its impact. This diversified funding strategy aims to ensure the long-term viability of the fund and its ability to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the Ghanaian population.
The Act also establishes a governance structure to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the fund. A Board of Trustees will be appointed to oversee the operations of Mahama Cares, ensuring adherence to ethical practices and the responsible allocation of resources. The Board’s responsibilities will include developing strategic plans, monitoring fund performance, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. This oversight mechanism aims to prevent misappropriation of funds and maintain public trust in the integrity of the initiative.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has addressed concerns about potential overlap between Mahama Cares and the NHIS, emphasizing the distinct roles of each entity within the healthcare landscape. He clarified that the fund will complement, not compete with, the NHIS, focusing specifically on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) currently excluded from NHIA coverage. This clarification aims to allay fears of redundancy and highlight the fund’s strategic focus on addressing specific healthcare gaps not adequately covered by existing programs. This complementary approach seeks to strengthen the overall healthcare system by providing comprehensive coverage across a broader range of medical needs.
The operationalization of Mahama Cares marks a significant step towards strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system by expanding access to essential medical services for vulnerable populations. By focusing on critical interventions, chronic disease management, and emergency care, the fund aims to alleviate the financial burden of healthcare and improve health outcomes for those most in need. The establishment of a robust governance structure through the Board of Trustees further reinforces the commitment to transparency and accountability in the fund’s operations. As the fund becomes operational, its impact on healthcare access and affordability will be closely monitored, providing valuable insights into its effectiveness and informing future healthcare policy decisions.
