Intensify education on non-communicable diseases – GHS told

The Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of Habana Medical Services, Dr. Thomas Anaba, has called on the Ghana Health Service to intensify education on preventive measures for non-communicable diseases.

This follows the recent surge of non-communicable diseases in the country.

A recent study by the Contextual Awareness Response and Evaluation Diabetes in Ghana (CARE Diabetes) on non-communicable diseases conducted at Ga Mashie in Accra has revealed that six out of ten residents had either hypertension, diabetes, or obesity.

In a similar instance at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, medical professionals have raised concerns over the significant rise in the number of annual stroke cases recorded at the facility with approximately one thousand cases reported each year.

This figure represents a staggering 500% surge compared to previous years, prompting concerns among the medical community.

Speaking in an interview, Dr. Thomas Anaba expressed concern about this situation and called for expedited action.

“The Ghana Health Service must intensify education. Awareness is good but education is very necessary for people to know that they need to be checking themselves, their hypertension, BP, women should check their breast cancer to make sure they are fit”.

Dr. Anaba added that Ghanaians should prioritize their health with intentionality.

He said, “People should also be checking themselves. Every adult should at least check for all these things in a year. People do not exercise and they eat without caution. Also, people do not want to take medication which is very devastating. The lifestyle changes are the issue and Ghanaians should check themselves.”

Credit: Citi News