Tamale: Catholic Health Professionals Guild (CATHPROG) has organized a free medical screening event at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church in Tamale to help community members identify ailments and seek medical attention.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative aimed to allow individuals to seek redress and strengthen bonds within the community. The program, part of a community wellness drive, attracted 700 residents, including church members, who took the opportunity to address their health concerns. Medical experts from Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) provided a range of screenings, including eye screening, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) screening, blood pressure, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, and Hepatitis B and C, among others.
Madam Sheila Puotege, a Principal Midwifery Officer at TTH and the Chairperson of the medical committee, highlighted the importance of periodic medical checkups to be 'in control of your own health.' She explained that the health screening aimed to improve the lives of the needy and less privileged members of society. The exercise was designed to provide an opportunity for people, especially those who could not afford frequent medical check-ups due to work commitments or financial constraints, to access medical care.
Madam Puotege also noted that the screenings were intended to identify medical conditions or risk factors at an early stage when they might be more manageable or treatable. She emphasized that early detection could improve treatment outcomes and save lives. Regular health screenings are a key component of preventive healthcare, serving as proactive measures to prevent the onset of diseases through lifestyle changes or interventions. She advised attendees to pay closer attention to their health by attending regular check-ups.
Dr. Raymond Aduku, President of CATHPROG, stressed the importance of giving back to society and fostering socialization through such activities. He urged Ghanaians to regularly engage in healthy activities to maintain good health, as regular check-ups prevent complications, reduce medical costs, and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. He noted that the Blessed Sacrament Chapel is a health professional-dominated family aiming to bring healthcare to the doorsteps of parishioners and the community. This motive was the driving force behind organizing the medical screening event.
