Ghana Medical Trust Fund Gets Support From ADB

The Agricultural Development Bank PLC has donated Two Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢200,000.00) to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund in a significant move to support medical treatment for patients battling chronic non-communicable diseases in the country.

The contribution forms part of the bank’s commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives that improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations. The donation also aligns with the Fund’s ongoing fundraising initiative dubbed “Heal Ghana Month,” which is being observed in March as part of activities marking Ghana Month.

The campaign seeks to mobilize financial resources to assist patients who require treatment for chronic illnesses that are not currently covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme. These include several life threatening and long-term conditions that impose heavy financial burdens on individuals and families.

The presentation of the donation took place at the Fund’s secretariat, where representatives of the bank reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote national well-being and social development.

During the brief ceremony, the Deputy Managing Director in charge of Services at ADB, Professor Ferdinand Ahiakpor, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing healthcare challenges in Ghana. He noted that improving access to healthcare remains critical to the country’s development agenda.

“We recognize that sustainable development cannot be achieved without a healthy population. Our support to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund known as MahamaCares aligns with our commitment to building futures, nurturing communities, driving prosperity and supporting initiatives that have direct and meaningful impact on Ghanaians” Professor Ferdinand Ahiakpor.

Professor Ahiakpor further explained that access to quality healthcare plays a crucial role in national productivity and socio-economic growth. According to him, the bank views the donation as the beginning of a broader partnership with the Fund that will help provide relief for many Ghanaians suffering from chronic health conditions.

He added that ADB remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote community welfare and improve living standards across the country.

The “Heal Ghana Month” initiative is designed to raise funds to support patients suffering from non-communicable diseases whose treatment costs are often beyond the reach of many households.

These diseases include cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney failure, stroke and other related conditions that require expensive and long-term treatment. Many of these conditions are currently not fully covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme, leaving patients to rely on private funding or support from charitable initiatives.

Through the campaign, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund aims to mobilize resources from corporate institutions, philanthropic individuals and the general public to ensure that patients receive timely and adequate medical care.

The initiative is also part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare support systems and improve access to specialist medical treatment for citizens in need.

The Administrator of the Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, expressed appreciation to the Board and Management of ADB for their timely support, particularly at a time when many families are facing financial challenges due to the high cost of medical care.

She explained that “Heal Ghana Month” follows an earlier fundraising campaign held in February dubbed “Kyere Wo Do,” which translates as “Show Your Love,” which was aimed at mobilizing support for individuals in need of specialist medical care for a range of chronic and life-threatening conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney failure, stroke, and other related illnesses.

According to her, the Fund continues to rely on support from both the public and private sectors to sustain its operations and reach more beneficiaries across the country.

She also encouraged corporate organizations, philanthropic groups and individuals to contribute to the Fund to help support patients who require expensive medical treatment.

In addition, she highlighted those contributions to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund qualify for a 100 percent tax deduction. This makes donations not only a humanitarian gesture but also a financially responsible initiative for businesses and individuals seeking to support national development.

The presentation ceremony was attended by several senior officials of the Agricultural Development Bank who joined the delegation in showing support for the initiative.