THE College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, has held a free medical and dental screening for pupils and teachers of the Salvation Army cluster of schools at Mamprobi in the Ablekuma Central Municipality of the Greater Accra Region as part of activities to mark the Day of Scientific Renaissance for Africa.
The pupils and teachers were screened for hypertension, dental care, eye problems and also had their glucose and sugar level checked by health officials after which they were provided with health advice or referred to other health facilities for further treatment.
Prof. Yaw Afrani, who is in charge of the Research Board at the College of Health Sciences of the university of Ghana said the University had set aside the month of June to celebrate the Day of Scientific Renaissance for Africa.
He explained that the African Union instituted the day so that Africans could recognise the role of technology in development.
Prof. Afrani said he was leading the team to conduct medical and dental screening at the Salvation Army cluster of schools in Mamprobi to help promote good health in the locality.
On the aim of the exercise, he said the purpose of the screening was to help the community, adding that they were targeting students and their teachers to detect any diseases they might have.
He stated that those who needed referrals have been referred to hospitals, adding that the team came prepared with their own drugs and doctors to treat patients on site.
“We have nurses, dentists, and then also medical people to help in undertaking this programme and we will treat those who are sick”, he said.
He said qualified pharmacists, nurses, dentists, and medical personnel were present to help undertake the programme.
When asked if there were major health issues being targeted, he said there were none specifically and that was why they were screening.
He explained that the dental team was screening, the eye team was screening, and the medical team was screening for chronic diseases and non-communicable diseases.
He recalled that last year they went to Madina Cluster of Schools and screened close to 1,000 people, and said they expected a similar number at the Mamprobi Cluster of School.
Speaking on the importance of regular check-ups, he said people often thought they were fit and moved around until something happened unexpectedly.
“And also we actually came prepared for everything. So we have our own drugs and doctors to treat them “, he said
He described the screening as a good opportunity and urged the public to take advantage of such exercises or initiate checks themselves by visiting medical labs.
BY AGNES OWUSU AND HILDA NSAMI
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