Global healthcare company Novartis has expressed support for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), describing the initiative as a critical and timely intervention with the potential to save lives and expand access to specialised healthcare.
The President of Global Health and Swiss Country Director of Novartis, Dr Lutz Hegeman, made the remarks when he led a company delegation to engage the management of the Trust Fund.
Dr Hegeman said Novartis was prepared to work closely with the GMTF to help more Ghanaians living with chronic diseases access financial support for specialised treatment.
He commended the Trust Fund’s mandate to address critical gaps in healthcare delivery and technology, saying its objectives aligned closely with Novartis’ work.
Dr Hegeman expressed particular interest in collaboration between Novartis and the GMTF in research and development.
He said the company was willing to support the Trust Fund with medical equipment to strengthen specialised healthcare delivery in Ghana.
He also pledged Novartis’ support for training as part of efforts to build the capacity of healthcare professionals and improve specialised medical services.
The Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, used the engagement to outline some of the Fund’s achievements since its establishment a year ago.
She cited the opening of an ultra-modern Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory at the National Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle- Bu Teaching Hospital as one of the Fund’s major milestones.
She also highlighted the donation of medical equipment and consumables to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, as well as the ongoing construction of two cardiology centres at the Komfo Anokye and Tamale Teaching Hospitals.
Beyond infrastructure and equipment, Mrs Darko-Opoku said the Trust Fund had begun disbursing financial support directly to accredited treatment centres to help patients meet the cost of high-cost chronic care.
The support covers conditions and treatments including dialysis, cancer treatment, renal care and cardiovascular diseases that fall outside the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“We have also spearheaded ongoing specialist medical training and efforts to bridge critical equipment deficits, including MRI and CT scanners, in regional facilities,” she said.
The engagement is expected to provide a platform for further collaboration between Novartis and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund in specialised healthcare, research and development, medical equipment and professional training.
