By Philip Antoh
Global healthcare leader Novartis has officially thrown its support behind the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), describing the initiative as a crucial and timely intervention designed to save lives and improve access to specialized medical services.
Dr. Lutz Hegeman, President of Global Health and Swiss Country Director for Novartis, made the declaration while leading a company delegation to meet with the management of the Trust Fund.
He stated that Novartis is eager to collaborate closely with the GMTF to ensure more Ghanaians living with chronic diseases can secure the financial backing necessary for specialized treatment.
Dr. Hegeman commended the Trust Fund’s mission to bridge critical gaps in healthcare delivery and technology, noting that its objectives align seamlessly with Novartis’s operations.
Focus on Research and Capacity Building Dr. Hegeman highlighted a specific interest in fostering research and development collaboration between Novartis and the GMTF.
He pledged the company’s readiness to supply essential medical equipment to strengthen specialized healthcare delivery in Ghana. Furthermore, he promised support for training programs aimed at building the capacity of local healthcare professionals.
GMTF Highlights One-Year Achievements During the engagement, GMTF Administrator Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku outlined the fund’s significant milestones since its launch a year ago.
Key achievements include the commissioning of an ultra-modern Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory at the National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC) of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
She also noted the donation of medical equipment and consumables to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), as well as the ongoing construction of two new cardiology centres at both KATH and the Tamale Teaching Hospitals.
Financial Support and Infrastructure Beyond physical infrastructure, Ms. Darko-Opoku revealed that the Trust Fund has begun actively disbursing financial support directly to accredited treatment centers.
This funding assists patients in covering the high costs of chronic care for conditions such as dialysis, cancer treatment, renal care, and cardiovascular diseases, which are not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
“We have also spearheaded ongoing specialist medical training and efforts to bridge critical equipment deficits, including MRI and CT scanners, in regional facilities,” she added.
The meeting is expected to pave the way for expanded collaboration between Novartis and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund in the areas of specialized healthcare, research and development, medical equipment provision, and professional training.