Scores of residents in the Asokwa enclave, including shoppers at the Kumasi City Mall, utilized a free medical screening opportunity organized by FamCare Consult on Friday.
The event, held on the national holiday honoring farmers, saw a steady stream of shoppers and local residents, including the elderly, visit the stands mounted by the medical consultancy firm.
Patrons received checks for a range of vital health indicators, including malaria, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and Hepatitis B status, among other related health assessments.
Following the screenings, organizers provided essential counseling, medicinal prescriptions, and refreshments to participants, especially the aged.
Rationale:
Speaking to the media, Dr. Kofi Frimpong Oppon, a Family Physician at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and Medical Director at FamCare Clinic, explained the purpose of the outreach.
“The rationale behind this free medical screening was to enable people to proactively check and know their current health status,” Dr. Oppon stated.
He added that, “It was specifically designed to provide an opportunity for residents in the Asokwa area, particularly shoppers at the City Mall, to assess their health conditions.”
He further noted the immediate impact of the exercise, “Today, we cared for patrons who needed urgent attention by treating them on the spot. Those requiring specialized attention were given referrals to attend the hospital on a later date.”
Addressing HIV Prevalence:
When asked about the increasing number of persons known to be HIV positive in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Oppon offered strong advice to the public.
He cautioned against casual and unprotected sexual intercourse.
He also urged the youth to adopt lifestyles that promote health and keep them away from promiscuity and drug use.
“I strongly urge the youth to heed advice and adopt responsible lifestyles that will aid their growth to maturity, allowing them to eventually settle with one partner,” the Medical Practitioner admonished.
Beneficiaries:
Asana Ibrahim, a 32-year-old beneficiary, thanked FamCare Consult for the crucial opportunity to learn her health status.
She noted that despite some initial, unexplained fear, she was able to complete the full screening, including checks for Malaria, Hepatitis, and Blood Sugar.
Kwame Boateng, a 28-year-old Asokwa resident, commended the medical firm, specifically for the comprehensive health counseling he received.
He encouraged other organizations to emulate FamCare Consult by organizing similar free exercises to empower the public with knowledge about their health statuses.
Funding Appeal
Meanwhile, Dr. Oppon appealed to other stakeholders and organizations that prioritize public health to support FamCare Consult’s outreach programs.
He stressed that operating such free medical screenings is capital intensive.
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi
