In the heat of the ongoing strike by the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), residents of Ejisu Municipality in Ashanti had an opportunity to benefit from a free medical outreach program. About 300 men, women and children in the local communities received attention for minor medical cases and also accessed some pharmaceutical products.

The health support program was initiated by the Yaa Asantewaa Rural Bank in collaboration with the Ejisu Traditional Council, to commemorate the 2013 May Day.

Specialists from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Ejisu Government Hospital were present to offer checks for diabetics, cholesterol level, breast cancer, blood pressure, sight, among other ailments.

According to Dr. Frank Nketia-Boakye, who led the medical team, about 15 percent of the adult population screened suffered chronic diseases – hypertension and diabetes.

He observed that most patients were unaware of their conditions because “people don’t usually undergo regular medical screening as part of our culture”. He has, however, called for a change in the practice, emphasizing that quarterly check-up for medical status would promote good health.

The May Day event included sporting activities, targeting corporate institutions, professional bodies and the working populace within the Ejisu Municipality. It kicked off with a health walk involving the Ejisumanhene, Oguakro Afranie Okesse IV, Municipal Chief Executive, Municipal Police Commander and other heads of institutions.

The theme was: “Healthy Living; a Key to Financial Independence”.

Board Chairman of Yaa Asantewaa Rural Bank, Samuel Otoo, emphasized the bank’s focus on health and sports as part of its corporate social responsibility projects to contribute towards the upliftment and development of the community.

“We need to impact on society no matter how many years we’ve been in existence; it depends on the vision and the goals that you want to achieve”, he stated. “We believe that when the people in the catchment area are healthy, they’ll spend much less on medical bills, and also; they’ll be able to focus on their savings, to improve their lives”.

The objective of the events, Mr. Otoo noted, is to build a healthy workforce as well as offer a platform for socialization for good community living.

The Yaa Asantewaa Rural bank plans to undertake regular health screening exercises to keep the local communities in good health.