GMTF targets Volta’s healthcare gaps with equipment, specialist training

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) is stepping up efforts to bridge critical gaps in specialised healthcare delivery in the Volta Region, prioritising medical equipment, specialist training and financial support for patients battling life-threatening and chronic diseases.

The Administrator of the Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, said addressing these gaps required a comprehensive approach that combined financial assistance for patients with investments in diagnostic equipment, specialist expertise and effective referral systems.

She was speaking at an engagement with medical professionals and healthcare stakeholders in Ho as part of the Fund’s first-anniversary reflection activities and nationwide sensitisation tour.

The event, dubbed “One Year On – An Evening of Reflection,” brought together the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, medical directors, specialists, other healthcare professionals and representatives of Roche Ghana.

Ms Darko-Opoku called on health professionals to identify and document critical gaps in specialised care, including equipment shortages, inadequate diagnostic capacity, referral challenges and limited specialist services. She urged them to submit evidence-based recommendations to guide the Fund’s interventions and improve patient outcomes.

She said GMTF’s four pillars of intervention: financial support for eligible patients, investment in medical equipment and infrastructure, specialist training, and research and innovation; were designed to address both the cost of treatment and the capacity of health facilities to provide quality care.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of Ho Teaching Hospital, the Medical Director, Dr Emmanuel Kasu, urged the Fund to prioritise early identification and enrolment of eligible patients, improved referral coordination, patient navigation and the accelerated provision of medical equipment.

He also called for the Fund’s impact to be measured beyond patient enrolment, emphasising timely access to treatment, improved clinical outcomes and reduced financial hardship for patients and their families.

First-year interventions

Reflecting on the Fund’s first year, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku said GMTF began its patient-support programme with a pilot involving 50 patients nationwide. The exercise helped management assess its processes, identify implementation challenges and improve systems ahead of expanding assistance.

She also highlighted the development of the Fund’s Medicines List and Tariff Manual, prepared with input from specialists and subject-matter experts to guide decisions on eligible treatments, procedures and costs.

On infrastructure, she cited the restoration of the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the development of cardiology centres at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Tamale Teaching Hospital. She also highlighted a partnership with KGL Group to support a US$10 million diagnostic and imaging centre at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.

The Administrator stressed that investments in modern equipment must be matched with specialist training to ensure effective use and better patient outcomes.

Improving access and awareness

Ms Darko-Opoku acknowledged challenges encountered during patient onboarding and said the GMTF Care digital platform was operational, with ongoing improvements to simplify applications, strengthen communication and reduce delays.

She urged healthcare professionals to educate patients about the Fund’s mandate and application procedures, particularly those living far from major urban centres who might otherwise miss out on available support.

She reaffirmed GMTF’s commitment to working with health institutions and other stakeholders to close gaps in specialised healthcare, reduce the financial burden of treatment and improve access to quality care.

Ms Darko-Opoku commended the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, for his support and thanked Roche Ghana for sponsoring the evening engagement.

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