A taskforce has been inaugurated to oversee the implementation of the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund, known as MahamaCares, an initiative aimed at providing financial support for individuals battling chronic and debilitating illnesses.
The initiative, introduced by President John Dramani Mahama, seeks to bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly for those facing financial difficulties in securing treatment.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, speaking at the inauguration ceremony, noted that while the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has improved medical coverage, it does not fully address the cost burden of chronic diseases. He described MahamaCares as a necessary intervention to ensure no Ghanaian is forced to choose between health and financial ruin.
The taskforce has been charged with developing a legal and policy framework to establish MahamaCares as a statutory entity, creating a sustainable funding model, setting eligibility and disbursement criteria, and assessing healthcare infrastructure to recommend improvements for better accessibility.
Rev. Prof. Emeritus Seth Aryeetey, who chairs the nine-member taskforce, pledged the team’s commitment to ensuring the initiative succeeds. Other members include experts in public health, finance, law, and health policy, drawn from various sectors to support the fund’s implementation.
