GMTF targets critical healthcare gaps with new cardiac, cancer and diagnostic projects

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) is shifting its focus from paying patients’ medical bills to addressing structural gaps that limit access to specialised healthcare. The Fund is investing in cardiac centres in Kumasi and Tamale, a planned comprehensive cancer facility at Korle Bu and a US$10 million Diagnostic and Imaging Centre at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. Administrator of the GMTF, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, said the interventions were informed by a nationwide assessment of the country’s healthcare needs. The assessment examined equipment shortages, specialist gaps, patients’ experiences, distances travelled for treatment and waiting times, among other challenges.

Speaking at an event organised by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Mrs Darko-Opoku said the findings showed that financial assistance alone could not resolve the difficulties facing patients with chronic and non-communicable diseases. The Fund’s strategy is built around financial assistance, medical equipment and infrastructure, specialist training and research into non-communicable diseases. “Funding treatment does not help much without the right equipment. Equipment is not useful without trained specialists, and ongoing care needs research to help us learn and improve,” she said. Following the fire at the National Cardiothoracic Centre at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the GMTF supported the rebuilding and expansion of the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. It is now extending specialist cardiac care to other parts of the country, with new catheterisation centres under construction at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Tamale Teaching Hospital. The Fund expects to fully equip, commission and operationalise the two facilities by the end of the year. At Korle Bu, the GMTF…