A technical support mission from the World Health Organization (WHO) has paid a courtesy call on the Health Minister to discuss essential technical support for two key government initiatives in the health sector, including the Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) program and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares).
The meeting had other key health institutions, including the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), as discussions centered on the team’s support for Ghana as it takes a major step toward a stronger, more equitable, and resilient healthcare system.
As the Minister for Health emphasized, the subject matter at the meeting formed a key component of the government’s comprehensive strategy to make healthcare accessible to all Ghanaians, regardless of their financial status.
It reflects a strong commitment to eliminating economic obstacles that prevent individuals from seeking medical attention by fostering inclusive policies and strengthening health systems, as the government aims to ensure that every citizen can receive timely, quality healthcare without the burden of financial hardship.
Speaking during the session, the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasized that the Free Primary Health Care Programme marks a transformative milestone in Ghana’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He highlighted its potential to remove financial barriers, improve access to essential health services, and ensure that every Ghanaian can receive quality care regardless of income level, adding that through this initiative, the government aims to enhance financial protection, expand service coverage, and strengthen the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery nationwide
He further explained that the initiative seeks to remove user fees at the point of care for essential preventive, promotive, and basic curative services offered through the primary healthcare network, including Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centers, and polyclinics, among other basic health facilities.
The minister further emphasized how key such collaborations with the World Health Organization are for achieving the healthcare delivery initiatives.
“Collaboration is key to achieving our broader goals, and partnerships like these will help build a sustainable, people-centered healthcare system that ensures quality and equity for every Ghanaian.”
“Ghana is ready to lead the continent in delivering truly equitable healthcare as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund comes in to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme.”
Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), primarily, is to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by providing financial support for the treatment of chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) not fully covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme.
It targets conditions such as cancer, stroke, diabetes, hypertension complications, and kidney failure, which impose high costs on patients. By bridging healthcare financing gaps, the fund helps reduce the burden on families and ensures access to life-saving specialist care.
It also supports infrastructure development, specialist training, and medical research. Ultimately, the fund seeks to improve health equity and outcomes, ensuring that no Ghanaian is denied critical treatment due to financial constraints.
A partnership of this nature truly reflects the core mission of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), given the technical support of the team from the World Health Organization.
Led by the Country Representative to Ghana, Dr. Fiona Braka, the World Health Organization (WHO) team expressed strong appreciation for the Government of Ghana’s leadership and unwavering commitment in driving forward these two vital health initiatives. The team highlighted Ghana’s proactive approach as a model for the region, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration to achieve long-term health outcomes.
Dr. Fiona Braka reaffirmed the World Health Organization’s unwavering commitment to partnering with the Government of Ghana, emphasizing the provision of ongoing technical support to ensure the successful rollout of both the Free Primary Health Care Programme and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
She described these initiatives as foundational pillars in Ghana’s pursuit of equitable and accessible healthcare for all citizens. By strengthening systems, building capacity, and promoting inclusive health policies, WHO aims to help Ghana eliminate financial barriers and improve health outcomes nationwide. This collaboration reflects a shared vision for achieving Universal Health Coverage and leaving no one behind.
Hon. Akandoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring collaborations of this nature, as the government is determined to ensure that healthcare delivery is easily accessible to every Ghanaian.
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