The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), popularly known as MahamaCares, has begun delivering on its promise of compassionate healthcare even before its official benefits package takes effect.
The Fund has stepped in to provide urgent, life-saving support to a two-year-old boy battling a rare cancer.
Young Meshack, diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive soft-tissue cancer, came to the attention of the Trust Fund last week. GMTF responded within 24 hours, contacting the family to guarantee full medical support.
Just 48 hours after learning of the case, the Administrator of GMTF, Obuobia Darko-Opoku, led a team to the Oncology Unit of the Department of Child Health at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
During the visit, the Fund presented a cheque to officially initiate financing for Meshack’s comprehensive treatment. His care plan includes multi-phase chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and essential supportive therapies.
A representative of GMTF emphasized that although the benefits package is not yet formally in force, the Fund’s mission is already evident.
“When a young life hangs in the balance, we believe in moving with compassion, speed, and unwavering purpose,” the representative said.
The swift intervention reflects the core principle behind MahamaCares: to be a timely source of hope for individuals facing life-threatening conditions. MahamaCares is a flagship government initiative designed to combat the rising burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ghana.
Disbursement Begins
Meanwhile, Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced that disbursement of funds under MahamaCares has officially begun for eligible patients nationwide.
The initiative provides financial assistance to individuals living with chronic conditions not fully covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The Fund also invests in health infrastructure, medical equipment, specialist training, and research to improve nationwide access to quality healthcare.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, December 1, the Minister revealed that GHS 2.3 billion has been allocated to support the Fund’s operations.
“I am happy to report that MahamaCares is fully operational. The bill has been passed into an Act, the board has been inaugurated, and the secretariat is in full operation,” he said.
“They have started disbursement for patient care, and before we end the session, I will provide their telephone numbers for those who may need access.”
He explained that the application process is simple, requiring a patient’s specialist doctor to submit a request on their behalf. The Secretariat is required to respond within 14 days of receiving an application.
“It’s a straightforward process,” he assured. “Once the application reaches the Secretariat, they must respond within 14 days.”
