Parliament has approved the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, 2025, also known as Mahamacare, under a certificate of urgency, following its presentation by the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
The bill aims to establish a sustainable funding mechanism to support Ghanaians affected by chronic and non-communicable diseases.
It will help mobilize resources for the treatment of non-communicable diseases in Ghana, which account for approximately 43% of mortalities in the country.
The Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Juaboso constituency, explained that the bill will provide relief to those suffering from non-communicable diseases by financing and supporting specialized medical care and treatment.
He stated that the fund is expected to be operationalized soon, with contributions from Ghanaians and corporate bodies. It will operate as an independent statutory trust to ensure equitable healthcare access.
He then appealed to Ghanaians, corporate bodies, and the media to contribute to the fund and help raise awareness about its importance.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares, is expected to bring relief to those suffering from non-communicable diseases and alleviate the financial burden of treatment.
The fund will cover treatment costs not included in the National Health Insurance Scheme and will be funded primarily by the uncapped National Health Insurance Levy, government budgets, and corporate contributions.
Concerns by the Minority
The Minority Caucus expressed reservations regarding a key funding mechanism in the proposal, specifically the allocation of 20 percent of the National Health Insurance Scheme levy to finance the operations of the new Trust Fund.
They cautioned that diverting such a substantial portion of NHIS resources could significantly compromise the existing scheme, which already confronts operational and funding challenges.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
