GMTF engages Eastern Region stakeholders to improve access to specialised healthcare

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) has engaged stakeholders in the Eastern Region to strengthen collaboration, improve public understanding of its mandate and promote equitable access to specialised healthcare for eligible patients.

The engagement, held in Koforidua on Tuesday, formed part of the Fund’s nationwide stakeholder consultation to gather feedback and strengthen coordination of its interventions.

The Administrator of the Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, called on traditional authorities, health professionals and other stakeholders to support the effective implementation of the initiative through collaboration and public education.

She stressed the need for clear communication and equitable access to the Fund in line with the provisions of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Act, 2025 (Act 1144).

Mrs Darko-Opoku explained that the Fund was established to support eligible patients requiring specialised treatment for chronic non-communicable diseases while strengthening the healthcare services needed to provide such care.

She said the initiative was intended to ease the burden on families facing difficult health conditions and improve access to appropriate treatment.

She added that the Fund was also examining gaps in medical equipment and infrastructure while listening to patients’ concerns to help improve the quality of care.

She noted that the establishment of the initiative followed a nationwide needs assessment involving teaching hospitals, regional hospitals and other referral facilities. The exercise involved discussions with hospital management and health professionals to identify challenges within the healthcare system.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, described healthcare as a critical pillar of national development, noting that a healthy population was essential for productivity, economic growth and social stability.

She said the establishment of the Trust Fund provided support for citizens affected by chronic diseases and offered an opportunity for people in the Eastern Region to benefit from improved access to specialised healthcare.

Mrs Awatey urged managers of health facilities to ensure transparent management of public resources and minimise waste through sound procurement practices.

She also called on stakeholders to support public education, identify eligible beneficiaries, facilitate access to healthcare services and provide feedback to improve the implementation of the Fund.

The Minister further stressed the connection between environmental sanitation and public health, noting that maintaining clean and safe surroundings was essential to preventing disease and promoting healthy communities.