Veep Visits MahamaCares Fund, Highlights Government Push for Universal Healthcare

Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on today visited the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling the financial burden of non-communicable diseases and strengthening universal healthcare delivery in the country.

The Vice President was received by the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Administrator of the Fund, Ms. Obuobia Darko-Opoku, who provided a detailed briefing on the initiative’s progress.

Established to address gaps identified during the development of the government’s manifesto, MahamaCares specifically targets the heavy financial costs associated with non-communicable diseases, which are not fully covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

“MahamaCares complements the broader healthcare framework, which includes the uncapping of the NHIS and the introduction of free primary healthcare to address preventive and early-stage treatment needs,” the Vice President noted.

Officials informed her that the programme has conducted extensive needs assessments across multiple health facilities, revealing significant shortfalls in specialised equipment, infrastructure, and human resource capacity. In response, the Fund is being rolled out in phases, starting with cancer treatment.

Key components of the rollout include trained facilitators, strategic partnerships with selected private facilities, and the integration of digital systems across major hospitals. The initiative also emphasises direct patient support, provision of equipment, and capacity building for healthcare professionals.

Vice President Opoku-Agyemang commended the team for their dedication and urged them to share impact stories to enhance public awareness and build greater trust in the programme.

She stressed the importance of a layered care system that encompasses prevention, early intervention, and specialised treatment.

“We must continue to strengthen training, research, and technical expertise, including developing personnel capable of maintaining critical medical equipment,” she said.

The Vice President reaffirmed the government’s broader agenda to deliver comprehensive, equitable, and responsive healthcare to all Ghanaians.

“The visit was a reminder of our collective resolve to reduce the burden of disease, support vulnerable households, and build a healthcare system that reflects the values of care, dignity, and inclusion,” she concluded.

The MahamaCares programme forms a key pillar of the government’s efforts to make quality healthcare more accessible and affordable, particularly for conditions that have placed significant strain on Ghanaian families.