Story by Yaaba Yamikeh
Hundreds of residents of Awudua and neighbouring communities in the Prestea-Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region have benefitted from a free medical outreach programme organised by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) in partnership with Unilever Ghana and Diagnostic Centre Limited.
The day-long exercise, held at the Awudua Community Centre, formed part of the Foundation’s third-quarter Health Engagement Access Link (HEAL) Programme, an initiative aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and improving access to quality medical services in its host communities. The programme also marked this year’s World Hepatitis Day, observed under the theme, “Elimination for Everyone, Everywhere, Right Now.”
Residents received free medical consultations, counselling and medication, while a wide range of health screening services were offered, including tests for Hepatitis B, HIV, tuberculosis, typhoid, malaria, haemoglobin levels, blood glucose and blood pressure.
Specialist services such as eye, ear, nose and throat (ENT), dental, X-ray, ultrasound and spirometry examinations were also provided.
NHIS registration
In addition, the outreach incorporated National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration and renewal services, enabling residents without valid health insurance to enrol or renew their membership.
Medical personnel who participated in the exercise disclosed that 180 people were screened for Hepatitis B, 121 for HIV, 46 for tuberculosis and 98 for eye conditions. Seventy residents underwent ENT screening, while 50 received dental care. About 265 people were registered and issued NHIS cards.
Diagnostic Centre Limited sponsored all laboratory and diagnostic investigations undertaken during the outreach, while Unilever Ghana donated Pepsodent toothpaste, bathing and laundry soaps, and other hygiene products for distribution to beneficiaries.
The Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Mr. Abdel-Razak Yakubu, said the Foundation invested GH¢452,231 in the programme, underscoring its commitment to improving healthcare delivery in its host communities.
He noted that although the Foundation had invested significantly in health infrastructure, including the construction of health facilities, it remained committed to taking quality healthcare directly to communities, particularly for residents who face challenges accessing health services because of distance, time or economic constraints.
Mr. Yakubu described the successful implementation of the outreach as evidence of the value of strategic partnerships in expanding access to healthcare, promoting preventive health practices and building healthier, more resilient communities.
