Shama(WR), Oct. 22, GNA - Members of Western Region branch of Ghana Medical Association (GMA) on Tuesday, undertook a medical outreach at Shama near Sekondi as part of its outreach programmes in the Region. In addition, they organised a free hernia screening and operation for 10 fishermen in the area.

The seven-member team led by Dr Bernard Boateng-Duah, Western Regional President of GMA, checked the blood pressure of the people and referred some to nearby clinics for further observation and attention. They gave drugs which included worm expellers, blood tonics, anti-malarial drugs, ORS and Vitamin C to the people. Dr Boateng-Duah noted that high blood pressure was prevalent among them and advised them on their diets, reduce alcohol consumption and exercise regularly.

He advised them not to stay at home when sick but visit the nearest hospital to seek medical attention and not use poverty as an excuse to stay away from the hospital.

"You must join the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to access health care when you are sick," he added.

Dr Ernest Anderson, Western Regional Secretary of the association, speaking on the topic "Environmental Sanitation" urged the people to refrain from indiscriminate dumping of waste into Pra River and the sea, to stop polluting water bodies in the area.

He called for intensified education on dumping of solid waste into drains, not to be chocked and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes which infect them with malaria together with cholera and typhoid identified as major health problems in the community. "We need to work together to reduce the health burden especially of pregnant women and children," he said.

Dr Anderson advised the people to take the hand washing with soap promotion serious and assist their children to understand the concept, adding "though this is a simple concept, it could reduce many of the communicable health problems identified in the area".

Nana Kwesi Ackon, Chief Fisherman of Shama Apo, expressed appreciation to the team for their support to people in the area. He said without sound health, fishing expeditions could not become effective and urged the people to take their health needs serious. Other members of the team were, Dr Frank Agbemogyi, Dr Dzapartey Darko, Dr Marian Okoh, Dr Patrick Quist and Dr Boakye Boateng.