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Ghana Medical Trust Fund transitions to life-saving institution, expands healthcare access

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund GMTF has evolved from legislation into a functional national institution, providing critical medical interventions and investing in specialized healthcare across Ghana. Addressing Parliament’s Majority Caucus Retreat, the Administrator of the GMTF stated that the fund has established a strong institutional foundation and is fulfilling its mandate to offer financial relief to patients with chronic non-communicable diseases while bolstering the healthcare system. The Administrator lauded Parliament for passing the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Act, calling it a historic decision that has offered hope to many Ghanaians who previously struggled to afford life-saving treatment. The GMTF prioritized building transparent governance systems, recruiting technical personnel, and developing operational structures. A nationwide needs assessment was conducted to identify critical equipment and infrastructure gaps in hospitals. A pilot program provided life-saving financial support to 50 patients with chronic non-communicable diseases, allowing the fund to test its systems before a nationwide rollout. The GMTF has also modernized healthcare infrastructure through partnerships, resulting in donations of essential medical equipment and consumables. A key achievement highlighted was the commissioning of the reconstructed Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory at the National Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, which began complex cardiac procedures sho