Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares), Obuobia Darko-Opoku, says the fund was established to support persons living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) where the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage ends.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, she explained the urgent need for the initiative.

“Our health insurance system has achieved a lot, but it does not cover everything. For instance, when someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, NHIS covers treatment only up to a certain point. Beyond that, many crucial services are not included. That’s why this fund is necessary. Where national health insurance ends, we begin,” she said.

Madam Darko-Opoku stated that NCDs account for 45 percent of deaths in Ghana, making continued support beyond NHIS critical.

“We cannot afford to rely solely on NHIS. People need support beyond the limits of health insurance. That is why the Medical Trust Fund is such a bold and timely initiative,” she added.

The administrator detailed the progress made in setting up the Fund, thanking Dr. Victor Bampoe of NHIS for seconding five staff members to help establish the secretariat.

“Starting a new institution from scratch is not easy, but we now have a fully operational secretariat. We are laying a strong foundation that will ensure the Fund’s sustainability for years to come,” she said.

She also praised the Fund’s Board of Trustees, led by lawyer Tony Lithur, for steering its operations.

“As the first administrator, we see ourselves as pacemakers. Our focus is on building a foundation that guarantees long-term impact for all beneficiaries,” Obuobia Darko-Opoku concluded.