MahamaCare Will Reduce Chronic Disease Deaths- Health Minister
The Minister for Heath, Hon Mintah Akandoh, says the primary goal of the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund known as MahamaCare is to reduce the mortality rate that results from chronic diseases in Ghana.
According to him, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to bridging gaps in healthcare financing.
“We all understand that access to quality healthcare is not a privilege but a fundamental right however lifesaving treatment remains inaccessible to far too many of our people. Chronic diseases such as cancer, kidney disease and heart conditions impose unbearable financial strain on families.”
Statistics
Unveiling a nine-member task force to develop a policy and a legal framework for the establishment of the Fund, he referenced that non-communicable diseases account for 42% of all deaths in Ghana.
“With Cardiovascular disease accounting for 19% and cancers 5% of all mortality cases.”
He recognizes that though the National Health Insurance Scheme has been instrumental in providing coverage for a broad spectrum of health needs, it does not comprehensively address the high cost of specialised treatments for chronic diseases.
“Consequently, many individuals are left to struggle and in far too many cases, they suffer preventable loss of life.”
Significance
According to the Minister, the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund is purposed to provide dedicated financial Support for individuals battling chronic and debilitating illness and expand access to quality care for these chronic diseases.
“No Ghanaian should have to choose between their health and financial ruin. This initiative will bridge the current gaps in the health care financing, ensure fairness in access to treatment and enhance the wellbeing of Ghanaians.”
“To the Ghanaian people, this is a promise of hope. Mahama Care is not merely an initiative. It is a commitment to reducing death caused by chronic diseases. It’s about ensuring that no one is denied treatment due to an inability to afford it. It is about restoring dignity to healthcare. It’s about guaranteeing that our most vulnerable citizens receive the care they deserve.”
Technical Task Force
The technical task force is chaired by Rev Prof Emeritus Seth Ayitey.
The members include Prof Emeritus Fred Newton Binkah, Prof Magret Kweku, Dr Alfred Doku, Dr Randolph Nsor-Ambala, Dr Anthony Gingong, Dr Anthony Selo, Ana Pearl Sereboe and Dr Belinda Afriyie.
In his address, the Minister said a meticulous effort went into selecting the members based on their expertise, experience and dedication to enhancing healthcare in Ghana.
Mandate
The task force is tasked with the responsibility of developing a robust policy and a legal framework to establish Mahama Cares as a statutory entity; designing a suitable finding model to ensure the Fund’s viability for generations; establishing clear and transparent eligibility and disbursement criteria to guarantee fairness and efficiency; evaluating current healthcare infrastructure and suggesting improvement for accessibility.
Hon Akandoh further urged them to consult widely to design an effective solution.
He counselled, “The choices you make in the coming month will shape the future of this initiative. Your effort will not only encompass policy and framework. They will focus on saving lives and restoring hope to families in need.”
Meanwhile, he welcomed the contribution of partners as essential to the initiative.
“The MahamaCares relies on our collective effort. We depend on your support in mobilising resources, contributing expertise and advocating for sustainable health care financing.”
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
