Novartis backs Ghana Medical Trust Fund, eyes partnership to expand specialist care
Global healthcare company Novartis has expressed support for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), describing the initiative as a critical intervention to improve access to specialised healthcare.
Novartis, the global healthcare company, has shown its backing for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), praising the initiative as a crucial step towards enhancing access to specialized medical care. Dr Lutz Hegeman, the President of Global Health and Swiss Country Director of Novartis, conveyed this sentiment during a delegation visit to meet with GMTF management.
He expressed Novartis' willingness to work together with the Trust Fund to ensure more Ghanaians suffering from chronic diseases receive financial aid for specialized treatment. Hegeman also highlighted an interest in potential partnerships in research and development, as well as medical equipment provision and training for healthcare professionals.
Hegeman noted that the GMTF's goals align closely with Novartis' own initiatives in specialized healthcare.
During the engagement, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, Administrator of the GMTF, outlined the Fund's accomplishments since its inception a year ago. She mentioned the commissioning of an advanced Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory at the National Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the donation of medical equipment and consumables to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and the ongoing construction of cardiology centers at Komfo Anokye and Tamale Teaching Hospitals.
Darko-Opoku also mentioned the Trust Fund's new policy of directly supporting accredited treatment centers to help patients afford high-cost chronic care, covering conditions like dialysis, cancer treatment, renal care, and cardiovascular diseases that are not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme. Darko-Opoku also highlighted ongoing efforts to train specialists and improve critical equipment deficits, such as MRI and CT scanners, in regional facilities.
The discussions between Novartis and GMTF are anticipated to strengthen their collaborative efforts in the realms of specialized healthcare, research and development, medical equipment, and professional training.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
