AngloGold Ashanti resolves to support universal access to healthcare
AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine, has stressed its determination to support the government to break down barriers faced by people to accessing essential medical services for quality healthcare.
According to the mining company, it would not relent in its health outreach programmes to bring healthcare services to the door steps of people within and beyond its operations areas.
“We are constructing ultra-modern health facilities with state-of-art equipment and amenities within or close to our host communities.
“We have refurbished and upgraded the Anyinam Clinic to a health centre and currently, we are constructing a health centre to serve New Dokyiwaa/Binsere communities, expanding the Akrokerri health centre to include a newly constructed surgical theatre and constructing a clinic at Apitikooko.”
Mr Edmund Oduro Agyei, Community Relations Manager of the mining company, mentioned these during a mini clinic at Adansi Odumase in the Obuasi East District of Ashanti on Wednesday.
Many old men and women in particular, as well as the youth flocked the venue to access free quality healthcare.
Diseases such as hypertension, hepatitis, sickle cell anemia, typhoid, malaria, and diabetes were screened and treated, while dental and eye care services were provided at no cost to the community members.
In addition, spectacles were provided to those with eye problems while mosquito nets were also supplied to protect the people from vicious mosquitoes.
Mr Agyei indicated that AngloGold Ashanti aimed at empowering people and advance societies through its health pillar of a 10-year Socioeconomic Development Plan (SEDP) of which free screening was a key initiative.
He told the people AngloGold Ashanti would continue to empower them with knowledge and resources to be responsible for their health, identify potential health issues early, prevent them from becoming life threatening, “thereby improving overall health outcomes within the neighbouring communities.”
Furthermore, he said since 2021, the mining company had organised 15 mini clinics and about 33,000 people had benefitted from the initiative, emphasising that, “it is our belief that quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances…it is our mission to break down the barriers and bring critical health resources directly to you.”
Dr Enyonam Kwawukume, the District Health Director, on her part urged the people not to take their healthcare for granted, “Because your quality health is your wealth.”
Mrs Faustina Amissah, District Chief Executive, commending the mining company for the initiative, also entreated the people to be mindful of their health by living a healthy lifestyle.
Nana Kwantinpenaa Kwamoa Bosompem, regent of Adansi Odumase, thanked AngloGold Ashanti for bringing health care services to the people, saying that not everyone could have access to such treatment for free.
Member of Parliament for Obuasi East, Dr Patrick Boakye Yiadom, indicated the government’s determination to support AngloGold Ashanti to sustain the initiative towards quality healthcare services to the people.
FROM KINGSLEY E.HOPE, OBUASI
