Health News of Tuesday, 23 August 2011

Source: GNA

Three communities benefit from outreach programme

Guaman (V/R), Aug 23, GNA - The Volta Forest Products (VFP) Company, in collaboration with Carenet Ghana, have undertaken a medical outreach programme at Guaman, Attakrom and Atonkor in the Jasikan District.

About 450 people benefitted from the programme estimated to cost GH 10,000 and the Jasikan District Assembly and its Member of Parliament, MrFord Henry Kamel, supported the programme.

Mr Tom Amewu-Duglu, Administrative Executive of VFP, said distance from major health facilities and economic factors, which prevented a chunk of the population from seeking prompt medical care, were the motivation for the outreach.

Mr Joseph Nyidewu, Physician Assistant at the Hohoe Municipal Hospital, said 350 patients received medication with malaria cases constituting 80 percent of cases diagnosed at the outreach at Guaman.

He said hypertension constituted 10 percent, anaemia recording 10 percent with diabetes and cough making three and two percent respectively.

Mr Nyidewu said some cases of urinary tract infection disease and an epileptic, who suffered burns on her face and neck, were referred to the Hohoe and Korle Bu Teaching hospitals respectively.

Mrs Agnes Ahribi, Principal Nursing Officer at the Hohoe Hospital, said 74 people who were suffering from glaucoma and cataract were referred.

Mr Kamel said three communities numbering about 2,500 patronised the Jasikan District Hospital and interventions like the provision of mobile clinics must be embraced and replicated by other non-governmental organisations and financial institutions.