Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has outlined major health sector initiatives in the 2026 Budget Statement, highlighting the government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and equitable access to healthcare.
Presenting the budget to Parliament on Wednesday, November 13, Dr. Forson announced plans to construct six new regional hospitals for the newly created regions, starting with three in 2026, alongside two district hospitals at Bole and Shama.
In addition, ten previously abandoned Agenda 111 hospital projects will be completed, including facilities at La General, Effia Nkwanta, the Komfo Anokye Maternity Block, and Ashanti Regional Hospital in Sewua.
To improve maternal and child health services, seven hospitals will be upgraded, while technology integration and infrastructure modernization aim to build an efficient, inclusive, and resilient healthcare system.
Dr. Forson also highlighted the launch of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), established under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Act, 2025 (Act 1144), to provide sustainable financing for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and specialized medical services.
In 2026, MahamaCares will introduce a comprehensive NCD financing policy covering eligible conditions, approved services, tariffs, and essential medicines, ensuring patients receive uninterrupted care without high out-of-pocket expenses. Diagnostic and treatment centers will also be established on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis in major hospitals nationwide.
“These interventions will move Ghana from treatment to prevention, from inequality to access, and from promise to performance, ensuring no Ghanaian is left behind,” Dr. Forson stated.
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