The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has assured Ghanaians that the newly established Ghana Medical Trust Fund — popularly referred to as the MahamaCares Bill — will provide critical financial support for patients battling breast cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden of life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes, while ensuring equitable access to treatment for all citizens.
Speaking at the 2025 Breast Society of Ghana Stakeholders Forum, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah explained that although the fund is still in its setup phase, Parliament has already passed the bill, and the President has given his assent.
She noted that systems are being put in place to guarantee:
- Transparency in fund disbursement
- Fraud prevention mechanisms
- Equitable access for patients across the country
“It’s a fund, and we will have to disburse it. The bill has been passed; the President has assented to it, and we are in the process of setting up the system. Once we set up a good system like any health fund, I believe that funds will be disbursed to the right people,” she stated.
One of the major goals of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund is to cover treatment costs not fully handled by health insurance, particularly for conditions such as chemotherapy for cancer patients.
Dr. Ayensu-Danquah stressed that too many Ghanaians, especially women battling breast cancer, are forced to sell their properties or seek public donations to pay for treatment.
“Once people reach a certain stage, they simply can’t afford treatment. Some even sell their homes. President Mahama said we must not allow that to continue in Ghana. No woman should have to sell her home to survive breast cancer. This fund is here to make sure they don’t,” she emphasised.
The government also announced plans to decentralise healthcare services, ensuring that diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer and other chronic diseases are available beyond major cities.
This move is expected to improve early detection, timely treatment, and survival rates across the country.
Dr. Ayensu-Danquah urged health professionals, civil society organisations, and the public to support the initiative, ensuring its success and sustainability.
The Medical Trust Fund represents a critical step forward in Ghana’s healthcare system, aiming to protect vulnerable patients and strengthen national efforts against non-communicable diseases.