Mahama Cares: Obuobia Darko-Opoku engages Volta stakeholders on specialised healthcare access
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Poku, has called for stronger collaboration among health professionals, traditional authorities, religious leaders, the media and local authorities to improve access to specialised healthcare for patients suffering from chronic and life-threatening diseases. She said the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as…
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Poku, has called for greater collaboration among health professionals, traditional authorities, religious leaders, the media and local authorities to enhance access to specialized healthcare for patients suffering from chronic and life-threatening diseases.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, commonly known as Mahama Cares, was established to alleviate financial burdens faced by families seeking treatment for conditions like cancer, kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and diabetes complications. At a stakeholder engagement in Ho, organized by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, Obuobia Darko-Poku emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure that financial difficulties do not hinder eligible patients from receiving essential medical care.
The Fund not only provides financial assistance but also focuses on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving medical equipment, supporting specialist training, and promoting research and innovation. It has initiated pilot interventions for 50 patients nationwide to evaluate the necessary systems for supporting beneficiaries.
The CEO emphasized the importance of engaging healthcare professionals and partner institutions to identify gaps in healthcare delivery and develop targeted interventions. She urged stakeholders in the Volta Region to educate the public about the Fund's mandate, eligibility, and application procedures, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, reaffirmed the Regional Coordinating Council's commitment to working with the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and other institutions to improve healthcare access in the region. He highlighted the challenges rural communities face, including transportation costs, limited medical equipment, delayed diagnosis, and difficulties accessing specialized services.
Gunu called for the use of trusted communication channels, such as radio stations, community information centers, and religious platforms, to disseminate information about the Fund. He urged healthcare professionals and facilities to streamline referral and administrative procedures to prevent delays in receiving assistance. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Lydia Aziato, commended the government for establishing the Ghana Medical Trust Fund as an essential intervention for patients struggling with the high costs of cancer and other serious illnesses.
She emphasized the importance of early cancer detection and urged women to seek medical attention promptly to improve their chances of recovery.
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