Ghana’s Parliament has passed the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, 2025, popularly known as the MahamaCares Programme, establishing a dedicated fund to support treatment for chronic and life-threatening conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, stroke, and diabetes.
The newly approved legislation aims to improve access to specialised care for patients battling non-communicable diseases by offering financial relief through a government-backed trust fund.
Funding Sparks Parliamentary Dispute
While the bill ultimately passed by majority vote, it faced strong opposition from the Minority Caucus, particularly over one key provision: the reallocation of 20% of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) levy to fund the new trust.
Minority MPs argued that diverting such a significant share of NHIS resources could undermine the scheme’s ability to deliver essential health services to the broader population. They warned that the NHIS, already facing financial constraints, may struggle to meet its obligations under the current structure.
Government Defends Policy Framework
Speaking after the bill’s passage, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh defended the funding strategy, stressing the urgent need for targeted healthcare financing to address the burden of chronic illnesses.
According to the Minister, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund will help alleviate the financial strain on patients and their families by covering all or part of the costs associated with advanced treatments, medications, and surgeries that are typically out of reach for many Ghanaians.
Next Steps
The MahamaCares Programme will be implemented in phases, with further details—including eligibility criteria, management structure, and operational guidelines—to be defined in forthcoming subsidiary legislation.
Once operational, the programme is expected to be a lifeline for thousands of patients facing life-threatening medical conditions, helping to bridge the gap in access to quality healthcare for the most vulnerable.
