The Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), Ms. Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that no region is left out of the Fund’s 50-case pilot programme aimed at providing financial relief for Ghanaians battling complex and life-threatening illnesses.
Ahead of the Fund’s official rollout in April, the GMTF is currently sponsoring treatment for 50 selected patients nationwide. So far, eight patients suffering from various heart conditions have undergone life-saving surgeries at the National Cardiothoracic Centre, while four others from the Central, Northern and Greater Accra regions have received support for neurological and cancer treatment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
Patients are also benefiting from the pilot programme at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, Ho Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Euracare Spring Hospital and the International Maritime Hospital.
On Thursday, Ms. Darko-Opoku and her team visited the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, where they presented a cheque for GH¢82,550 as full payment for surgeries and chemotherapy for four patients referred to the facility. Read Also: Otumfuo Backs Ghana Medical Trust Fund’s Healthcare Vision
The beneficiaries include two women aged 44 and 70, both diagnosed with breast cancer and scheduled for surgery, chemotherapy and supportive care; a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with ameloblastoma; and a 17-year-old young woman living with chronic kidney disease. The payments will enable immediate commencement of treatment.
Presenting the cheque, Ms. Darko-Opoku said the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, established by President John Dramani Mahama, was created to ensure that vulnerable patients are not denied healthcare because of financial difficulties.
“This Fund has come to stay, and many Ghanaians will benefit. No Ghanaian should be denied medical care because of cost. The President was clear about this vision, and that is why he established the Ghana Medical Trust Fund,” she stated.
She pledged her personal commitment to nurturing the Fund into a strong and sustainable national institution that delivers hope and healing to citizens across the country.
With the support extended to Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, the number of beneficiaries under the pilot programme has now risen to 30 out of the targeted 50 cases.
Ms. Darko-Opoku further announced plans by the Fund to sponsor the training of 100 specialist nurses and 100 medical specialists nationwide, adding that nurses and pharmacists from Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital will be among those to benefit.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the hospital, the Medical Director, Dr. Habib Ahmed, expressed deep appreciation to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, describing its interventions as “phenomenal” and life-changing. https://www.ghanaweb.com/
He noted that the growing number of patients already receiving support from the Fund underscores the importance of collective national backing for the initiative.
Before departing for Accra, the GMTF Administrator visited patients on admission at the hospital, offering words of encouragement and assuring them of the Fund’s continued and unwavering support.
