More than 300 poor and vulnerable people in Kronom, a suburb of Kumasi, have benefited from free health screening and treatment.

They were examined for malaria, Hepatitis ‘B’, HIV/AIDS, heart and eye diseases, cholesterol, blood pressure and other ailments by a team of medical professionals from the Maranatha Hospital, a private facility.

They received medication and those diagnosed of serious health conditions were referred.

The exercise was organized jointly by the facility and ASA Savings and Loans Limited, in support of efforts at helping the poor to have access to quality health care.

Mrs. Agartha Amoateng-Boahen, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the hospital, underlined the need for everybody to give priority attention to their health and said that was the way forward to prevent premature deaths.

She said it was vital to engage in regular physical exercises, avoid unhealthy lifestyles and go for routine medical check-up.

She spoke of the determination of the facility to continue to be associated with health awareness creation and preventive health promotion.

Mr. Mohammed Khalilur Rahman, Ashanti Regional Manager of ASA, said similar free screening had already been held in Accra, Sunyani, Cape Coast, and Koforidua.

He said his company as a good corporate citizen would always be involved in the noble cause of improving the health of the people.

It had freely distributed large quantity of insecticide treated nets to pregnant and lactating mothers alongside petty traders to aid the fight against malaria.

He said it was time, the nation placed more emphasis on preventive healthcare.

Mr. Mohammed Sajibur Rahman, the ASA Operations Manager, said the company had launched a massive education campaign to encourage people to eat more vegetables and fruits.