Accra: A herbal medicine practitioner has emphasized the importance of seeking urgent medical attention for breast cancer rather than relying solely on prayer camps and herbal treatments.
According to Ghana News Agency, Apostle Dr. Samuel Amagashi, the Chief Executive Officer of Dr. Amagashi Herbal and Spiritual Center, made this call during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. He clarified that breast cancer is a physical medical condition necessitating early diagnosis and professional care, not a spiritual ailment.
Sharing his concerns, Apostle Dr. Amagashi highlighted the rising number of breast cancer fatalities linked to delays in medical intervention. He criticized certain pastors and spiritual leaders for keeping patients in prayer camps, which prevents them from receiving timely hospital care.
He stated, "Breast cancer is not a spiritual disease; it is a physical disease." He warned that detaining patients at prayer camps under the pretense of healing through prayers often results in patients seeking hospital care too late, leading to avoidable deaths.
Apostle Dr. Amagashi stressed that the relationship between faith and medicine should be collaborative. He acknowledged that prayer can strengthen faith and provide emotional support, but it should not replace medical treatment. He questioned why individuals should endure pain waiting for a miracle when medical treatment is available.
He urged religious leaders to recognize their spiritual limits and allow medical professionals to perform their duties. His advocacy includes encouraging women to undergo regular breast screenings and report any suspicious changes to healthcare professionals, emphasizing that early detection is crucial for effective treatment and recovery.
Additionally, he appealed to the public to utilize government health facilities and participate in breast screening exercises organized by hospitals and NGOs during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. He advocated for collaboration between faith-based organizations and medical institutions to raise awareness and dispel myths about the disease.
Apostle Dr. Amagashi, who integrates herbal and spiritual healing at his center, reiterated the necessity of combining faith and medicine for overall well-being. His message has been well-received by health advocates and women's groups in Ghana, who view his stance as a vital step in bridging the gap between faith and health care.
