Tarkwa (W/R), May 24, GNA-Over 700 people on Friday underwent check-ups on various health conditions as part of the 80th anniversary celebration of Ghana Chamber of Mines at Tarkwa.

They included breast and vision screening, test on sugar level, and blood pressure after which advice and treatment were given free of charge. Korle-Bu Ophthalmic team, Medical team from Narh-Bita, BreastCare International, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Medical students Association and Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Health Directorate carried out the six-hour exercise.

Mr. David Kwasi Renner, Managing Director, Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited, (AAIL) said the mining companies do not extract metals only but take health and safety of the people seriously. He said there were challenges the mining industry has to contend with, citing HIV/AIDS as one which the Mine has collaborated with others to stem its spread.

Mr. Renner said clinics and Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) Centres have been set up for the people to access their HIV status.

He said malaria control programme, which was started at Obuasi has yielded significant results, saying the programme would be introduced to Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality in July this year.

Mr. Renner recalled that a few women showed up when the exercise was introduced two years ago but the impressive turnout was an indication that the women have appreciated the benefits of the programme.

In a welcoming address, Dr. Jack Galley, Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Director of Health Services, commended the Chamber of Mines for the medical outreach programme but said; "this should not be a nine-day wonder".

He said the exercise had made a lot to know their health status, adding that, a lot of people did not know that even they had blood pressure.

Dr. Galley said there was the need to build human capital without which Ghana cannot move forward. The highlights of the celebration include various symposia and a series of lectures, an essay-writing competition, photograph exhibition and a number of commemorative choral and sporting events.