KGA organises free clinical outreach for Amasaman Community

Kofih global alumni Ghana chapter  in Accra has organised a three days health screening for residents in Amasaman District aimed at promoting early detection and treatment of health conditions and improving the overall well-being of the community.

Dr Ralph Armah

Dr Ralph Armah, director for Greater Accra regional hospital and president for Kofih global alumni  including surgeons, nurses, and specialists  took part in the initiative including the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and the KorleBu Teaching Hospital.

"We saw about 537 patients during our initial medical screening, and out of them, a few were selected for surgeries. We're doing the surgeries in two days due to the high number of cases," Dr. Ralph explained.

The medical outreach program aimed to provide surgical interventions for patients who could not afford them or did not have access to specialist care. Dr. Ralph emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment, advising the public to seek medical attention if they notice any abnormal swelling, pain, or discomfort.

The Greater Accra Regional Hospital provided theatre space, logistics, and human resources to support the outreach program. Dr. Ralph expressed gratitude for the hospital's support, noting that the program's success was a result of collaboration and teamwork.

For patients requiring further care, the medical specialists at the facility have agreed to provide aftercare services. In cases where additional specialized care is needed, patients will be referred to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.

Dr. Ralph advised the public  to prioritize their health and seek medical attention if they notice anything unusual. "Please go to hospital first. Even if that sort of specialty care is unavailable within that locality or geographical location, you'll be sent to a place where care is available." He said

According to Dr.Ralph, kofih Global Alumni Ghana Chapter plans to continue organizing medical outreaches in marginalized communities, providing essential healthcare services to those in need.

Dr Gladys Fordjour 

Again A team of medical professionals from the  Hospital, led by .Dr Gladys  Fordjour consultant for Ophthalmology at kolebu teaching hospital also  provided  free eye care services to residents , with a focus on cataract surgeries.

Dr. Fordjour, an eye care specialist, explained that cataracts are the leading cause of blindness, and everyone will eventually develop them. "Everybody gets cataracts. Everybody eventually will get cataracts. So it's not like somebody has cataracts, I don't, and therefore I don't care."

The team, part of the kofih Global Alumni, a group of medical professionals trained by the Korean government, has been conducting outreach programs to provide essential eye care services to those who cannot afford them.

"We've picked up a number of cases of people who are bilaterally blind, in both eyes, blind from cataracts, and all cataract needs is to be taken out," Dr. Fordjour said. "A 20-minute, 30-minute surgery, and the person can see again, to go about their business, to be able to offer care for their family, instead of depending on others for everything."

The team also screens for other causes of blindness, including glaucoma and diabetes-related eye problems. Dr. Fordjour emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment, particularly for glaucoma, which can cause irreversible blindness without symptoms.

Dr. Fordjour encouraged everyone, especially those with diabetes, to prioritize their eye health and undergo regular check-ups. "All diabetics are supposed to have their eyes checked, maximum every year, and if we pick up something, if the diabetic rate nobody has started, then it means that even the one year is too long for you."

The free eye care services provided by the team have brought hope to many residents in Accra, and Dr. Fordjour hopes to continue providing these essential services to those in need.

Evans Josey kudifia

Furthermore Evans Josey kudifia, a beneficiary  also expressed his gratitude to the medical team at Amasama Hospital for providing him with free eye treatment.

kudifia who had been struggling with cataracts for six to seven years, had previously undergone surgery at Emmanuel Eye Clinic with the help of a friend. However, when the second cataract developed, he was unsure how he would afford the treatment.

Fortunately, during a checkup at Amasama Hospital,  kudifia learned about the free eye treatment program and seized the opportunity. "I was so happy when I heard about the free eye treatment. I decided to take this opportunity to get my turn," he said.

 kudifia underwent successful surgery and is now recovering. He thanked the medical team, including the doctors and staff members of Amasama Hospital, for their kindness and expertise.

kudifia experience highlights the challenges faced by many Ghanaian in accessing affordable eye care. He hopes that others will also have the opportunity to receive free eye treatment in the future.

Some Beneficiaries of the free eye care initiative at the Hospital expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the organisers for providing them with much-needed medical attention.

Reported By Azaglo Michael