Minister calls for better MahamaCares patient outreach

Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John Mburidiba called for intensified public education and stronger stakeholder collaboration to ensure eligible patients in the region benefit from the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as MahamaCares. He spoke yesterday at a forum in Tamale organised by the Fund, which included representatives from health institutions, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, and healthcare professionals.

Mr Mburidiba described the forum as an opportunity to strengthen collective efforts to improve healthcare access and protect vulnerable households from the financial burden of serious illnesses. He stated MahamaCares is part of President John Dramani Mahama's healthcare agenda, aiming for an integrated system combining disease prevention, early detection, routine treatment, health insurance, and access to specialised medical services.

The minister highlighted that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund addresses gaps in healthcare financing, making specialised treatment more accessible, equitable, and financially sustainable, particularly for residents of rural and hard-to-reach communities. Tamale Teaching Hospital and other designated private hospitals will serve residents, but Mr Mburidiba stressed the need for adequate information on the Fund's coverage, eligibility requirements, and application procedures for the initiative to succeed.

Why it mattersEligible patients in Ghana's Northern Region may not understand or benefit from the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, facing financial burdens from serious illnesses without adequate information.

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