The Stroke Association Supportnetwork-Ghana Commends President Mahama for Launching Ghana Medical Trust Fund
Press Release to All Media Houses
The Stroke Association Supportnetwork-Ghana Commends President Mahama for Launching Ghana Medical Trust Fund
Accra, Ghana – The Stroke Association Supportnetwork-Ghana and its partners extend our heartfelt commendations to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for officially launching the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, aptly known as “MahamaCares.” This initiative is a beacon of hope for individuals living with chronic diseases, including stroke and cardiovascular disease, across the country.
For far too long, persons living with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke have faced significant challenges in accessing specialist-level care due to financial constraints. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has been instrumental in providing coverage for many health conditions, but the reality is that many NCD treatments and medications fall outside its scope, leaving patients and their families to bear the brunt of treatment costs.
MahamaCares is designed to bridge this gap by providing financial assistance for specialist-level treatment for a wide range of chronic illnesses, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney failure, stroke, and others. This fund comes at a critical time, offering much-needed respite to persons living with NCDs in Ghana who have long struggled to afford the cost of treatment, often leading to devastating complications and, tragically, premature death.
For people living with stroke and cardiovascular disease, rehabilitation is a crucial aspect of recovery. However, many are left to face uncertainty due to the high cost of treatment and lack of access to Assistive Technology and Community-Based Rehabilitation after discharge from hospitals. This often results in about 75% developing complications that can later lead to death. The Stroke Association Supportnetwork-Ghana, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners, has been working tirelessly to improve access to these essential services for people living with stroke and other forms of disability. The Ghana Medical Trust Fund will undoubtedly serve as a vital enabler, bringing ease and support to persons living with NCDs, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
The implications of this fund extend beyond individual patients; it has the potential to transform healthcare delivery in Ghana. By providing financial support for chronic disease care, we can reduce the burden on the healthcare system, improve quality of life for patients, and foster a healthier, more productive population.
We call upon all Ghanaians and the global community to support this noble initiative by donating to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those living with chronic diseases. We also urge all governments, present and future, to prioritize the sustainability and growth of this fund, ensuring that it continues to serve its purpose for generations to come.
Once again, we commend President Mahama for his visionary leadership and commitment to improving the lives of Ghanaians. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure the success of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
Ayekoo Mr President and Hon. Minister of Health ,Ghana
Ebenezer Ad Adams
Executive Director and CVD Rehabilitation Expert
Stroke Association Supportnetwork-Ghana
+233594989495