MahamaCares assessment exposes health equipment shortages
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A nationwide assessment by the Ghana Medical Trust Fund has uncovered significant gaps in Ghana’s healthcare system, revealing severe shortages of critical diagnostic equipment and specialist medical personnel needed to manage chronic diseases.
The findings, released under the MahamaCares initiative, paint a concerning picture of the country’s capacity to provide advanced healthcare services, particularly for patients requiring specialised diagnosis and treatment.
According to the assessment, government health facilities currently operate with only two functional MRI scanners nationwide, while public hospitals collectively have just five mammogram machines and two radiotherapy units. The review also found a major imbalance in specialist healthcare delivery, with only two cardiologists serving the entire northern sector of the country.
The revelations have prompted the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to prioritise investments in medical infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare access and improve outcomes for patients battling chronic non-communicable diseases.
Speaking at a presentation ceremony in Accra, Administrator of the fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, said the assessment was conducted shortly after the establishment of the initiative to identify the most pressing challenges facing the health sector.
She explained that the findings shaped the fund’s intervention strategy, which focuses on improving patient support services, expanding healthcare infrastructure, increasing specialist training and promoting medical research.
The administrator stressed that access to quality healthcare should not be determined by geography or financial status, noting that many patients continue to face difficulties obtaining specialised medical services due to limited facilities and equipment.
To address some of the identified challenges, the fund has begun supporting the establishment of cardiology centres at major referral hospitals, including Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Tamale Teaching Hospital. Additional plans include the distribution of dialysis machines and intensive care equipment to health facilities across the country.
Ms Darko-Opoku said the long-term objective is to significantly increase the number of specialists available to manage chronic diseases in every region.
She disclosed that the initiative has already begun supporting patients directly through a pilot programme that funded surgeries and chemotherapy treatments for dozens of beneficiaries ahead of a broader nationwide rollout.
The update came during the presentation of a GH¢6.1 million contribution to the fund at the Office of the President. The donation was drawn from salary contributions by President John Dramani Mahama, presidential staff and political appointees, as well as deductions linked to asset declaration compliance measures.
Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, said the burden of chronic illnesses continues to grow and places increasing pressure on the healthcare system.
She noted that some health facilities are recording thousands of new referrals for conditions such as diabetes within short periods, underscoring the urgent need for expanded healthcare resources and specialist care.
According to her, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund is expected to require billions of cedis annually during its initial years to effectively support treatment, infrastructure development and specialist training programmes.
Both officials appealed to businesses, philanthropists and the wider public to contribute to the initiative, arguing that tackling chronic diseases requires a collective national effort.
They expressed optimism that increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and specialist services would improve access to treatment and reduce the burden on patients across the country.
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