Residents of Cape Coast and its surrounding communities have enjoyed a free medical screening organised jointly on Friday by past students of St Augustine College and Holy Child School (APSU-HOPSA. 98).

They were screened and treated the residents for various diseases such as Hepatitis B and C, malaria, hypertension, diabetes and high blood pressure among others.

A nine-member medical team made up of various medical specialists and nurses from the Korle-bu Teaching and the University of Cape Coast Hospitals carried out the exercise.
The maiden exercise by the group, registered more than 500 people between the ages of 18 and 75 years.

Briefing the Ghana News Agency, Dr Martina Fiakpornoo, the medical team leader, said malaria and hypertension were common among the people and therefore advised the people to maintain healthy environment, exercise regularly and undertake regular medical check -ups for improved health and long life.

She said diabetes and high blood pressure were silent killers, emphasising that they could, however, be controlled through early detection and education.

People with serious conditions were referred to hospital for further medical attention while minor illnesses were treated and given free medication.
Explaining the rationale behind the exercise, Mrs Antoinette Puleke, President of APSU-HOPSA 98, said the event was geared towards providing safe and proper healthcare to the people and improve their health.

According to her, it was a prelude to APSU-HOPSA 98 20th anniversary projects for their respective schools to give back to the community that host their Alma mater.

She appealed to the residents to desist from unhealthy practices such as improper disposal of waste materials, eat healthy foods and exercise regularly to keep healthy.

An unclean environment, according to her, contributed significantly to the spread of some avoidable diseases, including cholera and typhoid.
Other executive members present at the ceremony included Agnes Akyeampong, Vice President, Patience Ashun, Secretary, Phyllis Bondzie and Quaye, Organizing Secretaries, Cynthia Martey, Assistant Organizing Secretary, Vivian Kwafo, Financial Secretary, Ama Dede Cudjoe, Assistant Financial Secretary.

The rest were Selassie Dzubey, Samuel Annan, Senanu Katehena, Michael Anderson and Augustine Baidoo.