The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) has issued an appeal to American hospitals, healthcare investors, medical schools, foundations, and philanthropists to collaborate with Ghana in enhancing access to specialised healthcare. This initiative aims to improve care for patients battling cancer and other chronic diseases. Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, Administrator of the Fund, made the appeal during a Ghana-Tennessee Business and Investor Roundtable in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Fund's primary objectives include addressing critical gaps in cancer treatment, medical diagnostics, specialist training, and healthcare infrastructure. By partnering with American institutions, GMTF seeks to reduce the financial burden on patients and their families. Currently, the Fund provides financial support for specialised treatment, strengthens healthcare infrastructure, trains specialist professionals, and supports research into chronic diseases.
Since its inception, the GMTF has made significant strides in healthcare development. Over 800 patients have been enrolled for treatment under the Fund's services package, which covers 13 common cancers in Ghana, neurosurgical conditions, and cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Additionally, the Fund has reconstructed the cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, which has supported over 160 procedures, including those involving 110 children.
The Fund is also investing in the expansion of cancer care, with oncology centres under construction at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi and Tamale Teaching Hospital. Furthermore, GMTF is pursuing a proposed US$10 million diagnostic and imaging centre at Ridge Hospital to improve access to MRI, CT scans, and mammography. Plans for an advanced comprehensive oncology centre at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital are also underway.
To address specialist workforce shortages, GMTF is sponsoring the training of 100 specialist pharmacists and 100 specialist nurses. The Fund is also supporting the establishment of specialist medical training centres in six regions. Its GMTF Care digital platform facilitates patient enrolment across participating health facilities, streamlining access to specialised care.
The Administrator identified five priority areas for collaboration with American institutions: healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment and technology, specialist training and clinical exchanges, research and innovation, and financial assistance for patients who cannot afford specialised treatment. The Fund is particularly interested in partnerships that could provide access to advanced cancer diagnostics and treatment.
Ms. Darko-Opoku called on US institutions and individuals to move beyond expressions of goodwill and engage the Fund on specific, measurable interventions. She invited interested organisations to request a partnership meeting with GMTF to identify a priority project, agree on the technical or financial contribution, and develop a clear implementation plan with measurable outcomes.
Key points
- The Ghana Medical Trust Fund seeks partnerships to expand access to specialised healthcare, particularly for cancer and chronic disease patients.
- The Fund has made significant strides in healthcare development, including reconstructing the cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
- Five priority areas for collaboration with American institutions have been identified, including healthcare infrastructure and specialist training.
