Government, through the Ministry of Health, on Wednesday, March 12, launched the Ghana Medical Care Trust, also known as Mahama Cares, to fulfill President John Mahama’s electoral promise.
The initiative aims to assist people suffering from chronic conditions such as kidney failure, diabetes, and other serious health issues.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Health Kwabena Minta Akandoh described the initiative as long overdue, citing World Health Organization (WHO) data indicating that non-communicable diseases account for 42% of all deaths in Ghana.
“Cardiovascular diseases alone make up 90% of these cases, while cancers account for 5%. Many of these deaths could be prevented if people had access to treatment, but the high cost makes it impossible for many,” he said.
While acknowledging the National Health Insurance Scheme’s (NHIS) role in healthcare delivery, the Minister emphasized the need to cover specialized treatments.
To address this gap, he explained that Mahama Cares would offer financial assistance to people battling chronic illnesses.
Former Director of Health Services, Dr. Koku Awoonor, lauded the initiative as a relief for many families struggling to afford medical care.
“Non-communicable diseases put a heavy strain on families both psychologically and financially. Today’s event signals a new approach to making treatment more accessible,” he said.