The Renal Patients Association of Ghana has revealed that its members are yet to benefit from the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as “Mahama Cares.”
While the association welcomed the recent financial backing for the fund, its leadership is calling for a simplified application process and better infrastructure to ensure patients actually receive the intended support.
The President of the Association, Mr. Baffour Kwadwo Ahenkora, commended Parliament and the government for approving GH¢2.9 billion for the Trust Fund’s 2026 mandate.
This approval is seen as a significant milestone in strengthening access to specialised healthcare for Ghanaians suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases.
However, Mr. Ahenkora noted that while the funding is “good news,” the path to receiving it is fraught with bureaucratic hurdles.
“The approval is good news; however, we have some reservations about accessing the fund. It is good news and we know it will certainly help people with conditions who lack financial support. However, the fund is difficult to access, and we hope that things will be a bit more flexible so we can access it. There are several challenges with the process, and we are still trying to engage with the Health Minister and other stakeholders on the best way forward to make things easier for us.”
According to the Association, the current requirements for accessing the fund—particularly for major procedures like transplants—are “cumbersome” and “stressful.” Mr. Ahenkora highlighted a lack of public awareness regarding how the fund operates.
“Before one is able to access the fund for maybe a transplant, you will need a professional to clear you, present your application to the fund, and undergo a rigorous interview before the fund can even consider helping you. The processes are too long and stressful. The challenge is that understanding of the fund is limited, and we encourage authorities to push more public education about it.”
Beyond financial aid, the Association is urging the government to prioritize the procurement of dialysis machines and the establishment of new treatment centers. Mr. Ahenkora argued that without the necessary equipment, the “Mahama Cares” policy would fail to achieve its goals.
He pointed out that the current shortage of machines at major teaching hospitals results in long queues and overwhelming pressure on healthcare staff.
“The most important issue we want the fund to consider is that Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, and other health facilities need more machines. The ones they have are not enough. We also need more dialysis centers because the ones available are not enough, so there is always a queue for patients. The pressure on Korle-Bu and the others is overwhelming.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
