The government’s intention to donate 20% of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the recently announced Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also referred to as the Mahama Cares program, has caused significant alarm among the minority in Parliament.
The National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) operations may be severely hampered by the action, the caucus said.
Currently under certificate of urgency, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, 2025, aims to create a specific fund to pay for specialized medical care for long-term illnesses like diabetes, cancer, stroke, and kidney failure.
But Dr. Ayew Afriyie, the Parliamentary Health Committee’s Ranking Member, has stressed that the proposed fund be funded by a distinct, dedicated source of income.
He issued caution that reallocating NHIS funds might jeopardize the program’s sustainability and fundamental purpose.
In addition to the financial ramifications, the Minority criticized the initiative’s branding as Mahama Cares, cautioning that it could politicize healthcare delivery and jeopardize bipartisan collaboration.
In order to foster wider support for the effort, they advocated for a more impartial and inclusive strategy.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, responded to the worries by rejecting claims that the scheme will jeopardize the NHIS.
He insisted that without jeopardizing the current health financing systems, the administration is still dedicated to improving healthcare service.