Abono (Ash), Aug. 11, GNA - The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has organised a free health outreach programme at Abono and surrounding communities in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region, as part of its Diamond Jubilee celebration.

The exercise targeted about 3,000 people and nine cluster communities with an estimated population of about 9,000 people. The Society is celebration the anniversary under the theme: 93PSGH at 75: Celebrating the Contributions of Pharmacists to National Development."

The anniversary spanning August 10 to August 15, includes the conferment on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, an Honourary Fellowship, which is the highest award of the Society, an Annual General Meeting and a Dinner and Awards Ceremony.

Mr Charles Anane, Regional Chairman of the PSGH, told the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday that more than GH¢20,000.00 worth of drugs were purchased for the programme with Pharmanova, a drug manufacturing company, as the main sponsor.

Some of the ailments diagnosed included malaria, hypertension, diabetes, upper respiratory track infections and the checking of the blood pressure and sugar level of the people.

He said the major activity of the exercise was the de-worming of children.

Mr Anane said the Body Mass Index of the people was also assessed to check whether they were obese or have cardio vascular challenges.

He expressed worry that most of the people screened were under-weight, which he attributed to bad nutrition and high alcoholic intake.

Mr Anane said about 200 pharmacists including clinical pharmacists were engaged to give treatment, consultation and counseling.

Mr Edmund Agyei Boadu, a pharmacist, asked the people not to abuse drugs through self medication and misapplication of aspirin, which he said could undermine their health.

Nana Otu-Antwi Bosiako, Chief of Abono and Chairman of the function appealed to the people to ensure personal hygiene and invest in the education of their children to prepare them for their future careers.

"I am 71 years and diabetic but due to personal hygiene, I am very fit," he said.

He also entreated the youth to shun alcoholism and substance abuse, which he said could interfere with their educational pursuit.

The PSGH has a membership of 2,600 and is represented on statutory boards and organisations such as the Pharmacy Council, Council of the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine and the National Health Insurance scheme's Medicines List.

The Society is a member of the International Pharmaceutical Federation, Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association, the African Forum, West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists and the Association of Recognised Professional Bodies.