Why do I say so?
The launch of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares Initiative) is sensitive and responsive to emerging health trends over the years.
Over time, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has focused on primary healthcare and universal health coverage, including the provision of essential drugs for the treatment of common illnesses, disease prevention, maternal and child health, family planning, health education, and health promotion.
The NHIS has primarily addressed common illnesses like malaria and common respiratory diseases.
However, our current healthcare financing has not significantly addressed recent health trends, which include non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, complex respiratory illnesses, cancers, and terminal cardiovascular and renal diseases.
These trends are largely the result of lifestyle changes. Currently, 43% of mortalities (deaths) are attributed to these illnesses. While the need for education on lifestyle changes cannot be overstated, it is equally important to put financing measures in place to support our compatriots afflicted by these diseases, as they are closer to us than we may realize.
It is estimated that an average of GHS 53,000 is needed annually to fund the treatment of NCDs, which is a financial burden that could be a death sentence for many.
Hypertension and diabetes alone can lead to organ failure, and their treatment and management are not covered by NHIS, even though they are the precursors to major terminal illnesses like stroke, kidney failure, and heart failure.
The treatment of cancers through surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy is not funded by NHIS. The Mahama Cares Initiative has come in handy to provide the necessary support in this regard.
As a professional, I have seen first-hand how well-to-do individuals can become paupers within just a few years after having to fund the treatment of renal and cardiovascular illnesses.
The need for funding support has come at the right time, and I commend President Mahama for this initiative. Posterity will be kind to him.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund has come to stay. It is here to fund the longevity of Ghanaians!!!
Thank you to President Mahama.