Parliament has passed the bill operationalising the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares.
The bill, officially titled the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Act, 2025, was approved on Tuesday, July 22, despite heightened scrutiny from the Minority caucus, which described it as a duplication of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Once operational, Mahama Cares will provide support for chronic diseases not covered under the NHIS.
It aims to establish a dedicated funding source for critical medical interventions, emergency care, and treatment for underprivileged patients unable to afford quality healthcare.
The fund will be financed through allocations from the national budget, voluntary contributions from individuals and organisations, and donor support.
It also provides for the appointment of a Board of Trustees to oversee its operations, ensure transparency, and prevent the misapplication of resources.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has dismissed claims that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund will compete with the NHIS.
He clarified that the fund is designed to complement the NHIS by focusing on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) not currently covered by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
