GMTF targets critical healthcare gaps with new cardiac, cancer and diagnostic projects

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) is expanding its efforts to improve access to specialized healthcare in Ghana. Rather than solely paying for medical bills, the Fund is investing in addressing structural gaps that hinder patients from receiving necessary care. Administrator Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku outlined the initiatives during an event organized by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA).

Key projects include the establishment of cardiac centres in Kumasi and Tamale, a cancer facility at Korle Bu, and a US$10 million Diagnostic and Imaging Centre at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. The GMTF's strategy is grounded in financial assistance, medical equipment, infrastructure development, specialist training, and research into non-communicable diseases.

The Fund's focus on cardiac care stems from the rebuilding of the cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital after a fire. New catheterisation centres are being constructed at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Tamale Teaching Hospital, with full operation expected by year-end.

In oncology, the GMTF is partnering with private investors to create a comprehensive Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Korle Bu, equipped with PET-CT scanners, linear accelerators, MRI and CT scanners, and a chemotherapy suite. The Greater Accra Regional Hospital will also receive a major diagnostic facility funded by the KGL Group, providing advanced imaging services.

To prevent dysfunctional medical equipment, the GMTF will maintain responsibility for the equipment and infrastructure it provides, ensuring proper servicing and maintenance. The Fund is also using its assessments to determine the most needed donated equipment, rather than distributing it indiscriminately.

In addition to infrastructure, the GMTF is emphasizing specialist training. It aims to have at least 10 specialists in every region within a few years, partnering with professional colleges to achieve this goal. The GMTF continues to support patients through its digital platform, GMTF Care, which has onboarded over 500 patients since its pilot phase.

Corporate Ghana and SSNIT are contributing US$5 million each to the initiative, with SSNIT procuring a 64-slice CT scanner and mammography machine. The Ghana Gold Board has pledged an MRI machine. Darko-Opoku calls for more partnerships with state-owned enterprises, private companies, and development partners to ensure every Ghanaian with a non-communicable disease receives the care they need.