Parliament has passed the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, 2025, also known as the Mahama Cares Programme, which will establish a fund dedicated to providing financial support for specialized medical care for chronic and life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, stroke, kidney failure, and diabetes.
The bill is aimed at improving access to essential healthcare services for Ghanaians suffering from non-communicable diseases by offering financial relief through a structured trust.
The legislation, however, faced significant opposition during the debate. The Minority Caucus strongly objected to the proposed allocation of 20 percent of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) levy to finance the new Trust Fund. They cautioned that redirecting such a large portion of NHIS funds could seriously weaken the scheme, which is already grappling with funding and operational difficulties.
Despite these objections, the bill was approved through a majority vote.
Speaking to the press after the bill’s passage, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh defended the decision, stating that the programme is crucial for alleviating the financial burden faced by patients with high medical expenses.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund is expected to help cover the cost of expensive treatments, surgeries, and medications, easing the pressure on individuals and families who might otherwise be unable to afford them.
The implementation of the programme will be done in phases. Additional information about its structure, eligibility requirements, and governance will be provided in accompanying regulations and operational guidelines.