The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) is evolving beyond its traditional role of funding medical bills to address critical structural deficiencies in Ghana’s healthcare system.
This new strategic direction focuses on improving access to specialized care through infrastructure development, equipment provision, and specialist training.
Administrator of the Trust Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, revealed that a nationwide assessment highlighted that financial aid alone is insufficient for patients battling chronic and non-communicable diseases.
Consequently, the GMTF has adopted a four-pillar strategy: financial assistance, infrastructure and equipment investment, human capacity development, and research.
Expanding Access to Specialized Care
To alleviate the burden on patients who travel long distances for treatment, the Fund is rolling out several high-impact projects:
- Cardiac Care: Following the refurbishment of the National Cardiothoracic Centre at Korle Bu, construction is underway for new cardiac catheterisation centres at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (Kumasi) and Tamale Teaching Hospital. These are expected to be operational by year-end.
- Cancer Treatment: In partnership with private investors, the GMTF is developing a comprehensive Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Korle Bu. The facility will feature advanced technology like PET-CT scanners, linear accelerators, and dedicated chemotherapy suites.
- Diagnostics: With a US$10 million commitment from the KGL Group, a state-of-the-art Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is being established at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge). This facility will centralize services such as MRI, CT scans, and mammography, serving the hospital’s 800 daily patients.
Ensuring Sustainability and Capacity
A key focus of the GMTF is breaking the cycle of procuring medical equipment only for it to fall into disrepair. The Fund has committed to retaining ownership of the equipment it provides, ensuring robust management and maintenance systems are in place.
Furthermore, to address the shortage of specialists, the GMTF is partnering with professional colleges to train medical personnel. The ambitious goal is to ensure every region in Ghana has at least ten specialists in the coming years.
Direct Patient Support and Partnerships
While building long-term capacity, the Fund continues its direct mandate. Over 500 patients have been registered on the GMTF Care digital platform, which streamlines case management and payments.
Mrs. Darko-Opoku commended the support from the Presidency, including seed funding from President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, as well as contributions from Corporate Ghana—including SSNIT and the Ghana Gold Board.
Ultimately, the GMTF measures its success by a simple standard: ensuring that any Ghanaian diagnosed with a non-communicable disease can access affordable, high-quality care without having to leave their region.
