Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson has announced the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, a major initiative aimed at ensuring sustainable financing for the treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and specialised medical services.
Speaking during the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement in Parliament, Dr. Forson explained that the fund will help Ghanaians suffering from chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and kidney disease, allowing patients to access care without having to choose between health and livelihood.
Comprehensive Health Financing Policy
The Finance Minister said the trust fund will underpin a comprehensive health financing policy, which will clearly define:
- Eligible medical conditions
- Approved services and tariffs
- Essential medicines
“This approach ensures that patients receive uninterrupted care without facing exorbitant out-of-pocket costs,” Dr. Forson stated.
Public-Private Partnership to Expand Diagnostic and Treatment Centres
Dr. Forson further revealed that diagnostics and treatment centres will be established on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis across all major hospitals in Ghana. These centres, under the Mahama Cares Programme, will provide state-of-the-art testing and treatment facilities for key NCDs, strengthening the country’s health system and moving Ghana closer to universal health coverage.
The establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund is part of the government’s broader commitment to improving healthcare financing, enhancing access to specialised care, and reducing the financial burden on patients with chronic and life-threatening conditions.
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