The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no Ghanaian is denied life-saving treatment due to financial constraints.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Ghana Medical Care Trust (MahamaCares) technical taskforce on Wednesday, March 12, he emphasized that access to quality healthcare is not a privilege but a fundamental right.
However, he acknowledged that life-saving treatments remain out of reach for many Ghanaians due to their high costs.
“Far too many of our people suffer or even lose their lives because they cannot afford treatment for conditions like cancer, kidney disease, and cardiovascular ailments.
The launch of MahamaCares is a direct response to this challenge, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of critical medical care.” Mr. Akandoh noted.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) non-communicable diseases account for 42 percent of all deaths in Ghana, with cardiovascular diseases comprising 90% of these cases.
While the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has been instrumental in providing coverage for many health needs, he noted that it does not fully address the high cost of specialized treatments.
To bridge this gap, the Minister stressed that the MahamaCares initiative has been introduced to ensure fairness in healthcare access and alleviate the financial hardships associated with chronic illnesses.
He emphasized that the fund is designed to offer dedicated financial support to individuals in need, ensuring they receive quality medical care without the fear of financial ruin.
The minister reiterated that the establishment of the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund aligns with the promise made by President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to improve healthcare financing in the country.
“No Ghanaian should have to choose between their health and financial stability.
This initiative will provide relief to those facing chronic diseases and ensure they receive the necessary treatment without unnecessary delays,” he added.
