More than 200 residents of Techiman in the Bono East Region have benefited from a free health screening exercise organised by the KGL Foundation as part of activities to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The outreach, organised in collaboration with Koranteng Memorial Clinic and AgricoHub, provided screening services for breast cancer, blood pressure, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and eye conditions, among other health services.
The initiative was aimed at promoting early detection, encouraging preventive healthcare and improving access to essential screening services within the community.
Mr Ni Ankoni Annorbah-Sarpei, Programmes Manager of the KGL Foundation, said the exercise went beyond breast cancer screening to give participants an opportunity to assess their general health and wellbeing.
“We’re not just covering breast screening; we’re also checking people’s general well-being, specifically ear screening, eye testing, and blood pressure,” he said.
He explained that the outreach targeted the general public, particularly young people and women, while encouraging both men and women to take breast health seriously.
Madam Elizabeth Korsah Koranteng, Chief Executive Officer of Koranteng Memorial Clinic, emphasised the importance of early screening in facilitating timely diagnosis and treatment.
“Breast cancer can financially derail you, so it’s important to screen for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment,” she said.
She also cautioned against misconceptions surrounding breast cancer, including beliefs that the disease was a curse.
She urged the public to seek accurate health information and consult health professionals early when they had concerns.
Mr George Antwi Boasiako, Chief Executive Officer of AgricoHub, said the partnership was also intended to highlight the connection between good health and economic productivity.
He explained that maintaining good health was essential for people to sustain their businesses and pursue their economic goals.
“We believe that while you focus on your business and business growth, it is important to look at your health and wellbeing, which is why we are collaborating with KGL Foundation for the health outreach,” he said.
“The idea is that you should be healthy and able to run your business.”
A participant who was undergoing health screening for the first time stressed the importance of regular medical checks, particularly for students who spend extended periods in school before returning home.
“This is my first time participating in health screening because we will spend more than three months in school before vacation.
We need to be healthy to study in school,” the participant said.
The participant added that some illnesses could go undetected without medical examinations and encouraged students to take advantage of health screening opportunities.
The outreach also featured a blood donation exercise aimed at supporting the availability of blood for patients who require transfusions.
Through the collaboration, the organisers sought to encourage early detection, improve awareness of preventable health conditions and promote a culture of regular health checks among residents.
