Accra, Oct. 6, GNA - Dr Paul Buamah, a Chemical Pathologist and a Lecturer at the University of Ghana Medical School, on Friday urged Ghanaians to cultivate the habit of having medical screening at least once a year.

He said many Ghanaians died of common preventable diseases and attributed it to the fact that they were not aware of their medical history.

"There are many people who develop certain diseases but are not aware and by the time they are rushed to the hospital it is too late to save the situation."

Dr Buamah said this when Twumasiwaa Memorial Clinic at Obojo near Madina, offered free medical screening for the public. More than 100 people were screened for malaria, blood group, hypertension and diabetes.

Dr Buamah, who is also the Medical Director of the Clinic, said common diseases like malaria, hypertension, obesity and diabetes could be prevented and managed if noticed early enough hence the need to have frequent medical screening to know one's medical history. The Clinic has outpatients department; antenatal; laboratory; pathology;, radiology and pharmacy units. With 33 beds, and staff strength of 35 including 12 consultants the Clinic is the third to have a Histology system next to Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals. Histology system deals with human tissue.

Dr Buamah noted that the introduction of that system would ease the pressure on the two Teaching Hospitals and tissues would no longer be flown to South Africa for test. He urged colleague doctors abroad to also come home and invest to save the lives of fellow Ghanaians, adding: "Home is home and if with the services provided I am able to save at least a life I will be a happy person." 6 Oct 06