The Management of the University for Development Studies (UDS) has received the Regional Coordinator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) for the Upper East, North-East and Northern Regions, Mr. Isaac Konlan, during a courtesy call aimed at strengthening collaboration and creating awareness of the Fund's interventions among members of the University community.

The visit provided an opportunity for Mr. Konlan to formally introduce himself in his new role and to acquaint the University's leadership with the mandate, objectives and operations of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund within the three northern regions.

Addressing Management, Mr. Konlan described the University for Development Studies as one of the Fund's most strategic institutional stakeholders, noting that UDS occupies a unique position because of its large staff and student population, as well as its significant contribution to national development through teaching, research and community engagement.

He explained that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund was established to provide financial support for the treatment and management of selected chronic and life-threatening medical conditions, thereby easing the financial burden on affected individuals and families. He noted that many people who qualify for assistance are often unaware of the opportunities available to them, making stakeholder engagement and public education a critical component of the Fund's work.

Mr. Konlan encouraged members of the University community to familiarise themselves with the objectives and eligibility requirements of the Fund so that those in need can access the available support. He emphasised that beyond individual beneficiaries, the University itself could serve as an important partner in disseminating accurate information about the Fund, promoting public awareness and ensuring that deserving staff, students and their dependants are able to benefit from the intervention where applicable.

He further expressed the Fund's readiness to collaborate with UDS on awareness creation, public education and other initiatives that will enhance access to healthcare support across the northern part of the country.

Receiving the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor of UDS, Prof. Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu, expressed his appreciation to Mr. Konlan for the courtesy call and congratulated him on his appointment as Regional Coordinator.

Prof. Iddrisu described the engagement as both timely and valuable, stating that access to quality healthcare and financial support for medical treatment remains an important concern for every institution. He noted that the information shared by the Ghana Medical Trust Fund would be of immense benefit to members of the University community.

The Vice-Chancellor assured the delegation that the University would ensure the information is disseminated through the appropriate communication channels so that staff and students become well informed about the opportunities offered by the Fund. He expressed confidence that increased awareness would enable eligible members of the University community to take advantage of the support available under the initiative.

Prof. Iddrisu also wished Mr. Konlan success in his new role and expressed optimism that his tenure would strengthen the impact of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund across the Upper East, North-East and Northern Regions. He reaffirmed the University's commitment to collaborating with institutions whose interventions contribute to improving the wellbeing of communities and advancing national development.

Present at the meeting were the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elliot Haruna Alhassan; the Registrar, Mr. Nurideen Issah Abubakar; the Director of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Hardi Shaibu; the Director of Works, Ing. Kwame Debrah; Mr. Raymond Adongo of the Internal Audit Directorate; and Mr. Rahman Alhassan of the Council Secretariat.

Story by: Abdul Hayi Moomen
UDS Media