Parliament approves Ghana Medical Trust Fund to support critical healthcare

Parliament has passed the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, 2025, popularly referred to as the MahamaCares Programme, aimed at providing long-term funding for critical medical conditions often excluded under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The bill, passed on Monday, July 22, is expected to deliver financial relief to underprivileged Ghanaians battling cancer, kidney failure, stroke, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses.

Funding Structure Sparks Debate

The initial bill faced resistance from the Minority in Parliament, who expressed concern over the decision to allocate 20% of the NHIS levy to finance the Trust Fund. They warned that the NHIS is already under strain and that diverting resources could weaken its core operations.

However, after deliberations, the Minority allowed the bill to proceed, citing the potential long-term benefits.

Sustainable, Multi-Channel Financing

Under the law, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund will be financed through:

• Direct allocations from the national budget
• Voluntary contributions from individuals and companies
• Donations from international partners

This multi-source approach is designed to prevent over-reliance on the NHIS or any single funding stream.

Strong Governance Measures

A Board of Trustees will be established to oversee the fund’s operations, with regulations in place to enforce transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption safeguards.

Details on how the fund will be managed, and who qualifies for assistance, will be outlined in implementation regulations.

Health Minister Commends the Initiative

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh praised the bill’s passage, calling it a “transformational step” that will reduce the financial burden on families and ensure broader access to life-saving treatments.

The MahamaCares programme will roll out in phases once the President gives assent and the necessary administrative structures are finalized.