Space FM, Sunyani, August 6 - The Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners-Ghana (SPMDP-GH), has observed that contrary to popular perception that Non-Communicable Diseases, especially Hypertension and Diabetes, are diseases of the affluent, poor households also suffer a higher burden of chronic diseases. The private medical practitioners added that “negative lifestyle practices with regard to inappropriate nutrition and lack of exercise, inordinate alcohol consumption and smoking, have contributed significantly to the high incidence of Non-Communicable diseases in the country”. These observations were contained in a communiqué signed by the immediate past Chairman and Secretary respectively of the SPMDP-GH, Dr Edward Prempeh and Dr Kwame Antwi, and issued at the end of the 29th Annual General Congress of the Society in Sunyani on Sunday. The four day congress was under the theme; “Non-Communicable Diseases- New Perspectives”, with the Minister of Health, Mr. Courage Quarshigah as the Guest speaker.

The private medical practitioners noted that “the chronic nature of non-communicable diseases impose a significant burden on individuals and on the nation’s economy which could potentially threaten the sustainability of the National Health Insurance Scheme”. They also bemoaned the lack of a clear cut national policy on screening programmes on non-communicable diseases. The SPMDP-GH, have therefore resolved that physicians and other healthcare providers in the country should find time to educate their patients and the public on appropriate nutrition namely, low animal protein consumption, low fat and oil intake, low salt intake, encouragement of the consumption of complex carbohydrates, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. The communiqué also stressed the importance of regular physical exercise, personal hygiene, clean environment, adequate rest and recreation and periodical check ups, at least once a year. It added that people should be encouraged to eat more natural foods and desist from alcohol and tobacco. The communiqué also called for the formulation of a national policy guidelines and framework to aid uniform screening programmes and check ups for non-communicable diseases.

The Society elected new officers with Dr Aba Foli as the National Chairman and Dr Omare Appah as the National Secretary.