By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Over 300 residents from Teshie and its adjoining communities in the Greater Accra Region have been screened for various illnesses including malaria, typhoid, diabetes, hypertension, eye and dental care, etc free of charge.
The free medical screening was organized by the management of Family Health University College (FHUC) and Family Health Hospital (FHH) in collaboration with the Teshie Traditional Council.
The exercise which forms part of the activities marking this year’s Homowo festival saw professional health officers conduct comprehensive medical consultations; and provide appropriate medications, with assistance from students from the Family Health Medical and the Family Health Nursing and Midwifery Schools.
Aside from the screening, members of the communities were educated on the importance of keeping their surroundings clean, which promotes healthy well-being.
The medical profession again raised awareness about managing chronic disease conditions such as hypertension and diabetes through glucose level and blood pressure monitoring.
Speaking on behalf of the Founders of Family Health University College and Family Health Hospital, Prof. E. Y. Kwawukume and Dr. Susu Bridget Kwawukume, the Acting Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr. Patience Aniteye, told journalists the free health screening aligns with the core values of FHUC and FHH, which seek to provide compassionate healthcare services and foster the well-being of residents within the community.
She reiterated the importance of such exercises, emphasizing that they help identify if one has a particular disease or condition since many people do not go check their health status regularly.
Dr. Aniteye explained that early detection of illness is key followed by treatment and good control of the condition, can result in better treatment outcomes and lower the risk of serious complications.
On her part, Dr. Mrs. Rebecca Acquaah Arhin, Medical Coordinator of Family Health Hospital, added that free health screening initiatives by the institution align with the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) goal 3, which seeks to champion good health and well-being while fostering goodwill and better collaborations within our community.
Family Health University College and Family Health Hospital continue to blend cutting-edge healthcare education and the provision of healthcare services with community-driven engagements.
The success of the free Homowo Health Screening and counseling services exemplifies the organization’s ongoing mission to contribute to the improvement of the health of all people through quality health education and efficient healthcare delivery.
The initiative not only sought to improve the immediate health of participants but also laid a foundation for long-term health benefits in the community.