Over 300 residents of Osu have benefited from free health screening exercise organized by the Health team of St James Catholic Church, Osu in Accra on Saturday.

The residents were screened for Hepatitis B, blood sugar, eye problems, Ear Nose and Throat examinations and blood pressure.

Most Reverend Bishop John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Archbishop of Accra, said the gesture formed part of the Church’s evangelism outreach, through medical screening to maintain and promote a healthy environment in society.

“If one is rich or have good intelligence and is without good health, we are nothing, so health is the most important thing we must have to function in a society”, he added.

The Archbishop commended the leadership of the Church and the Medical Team for organizing the event, and urged the residents to always undergo medical screening to know their health status.

Right Reverend Father Daniel Tettedji, the Parish Priest of the Church, said the Medical Outreach was part of the Church’s corporate social responsibility in the season of lent to reach out to the health needs of the community.

He said the Season of Lent afforded the Church to embark on a spiritual exercise of fasting, prayer and almsgiving, hence, the need for the health screening.

“This was the second medical screening the Church is organizing for the residents and we were impressed with the responds because of the higher turn-out compared to last year’s programme”, he added.

Mrs Grace Baalaboore, a member of the Medical Team said, statistically, hypertension and diabetes were high and urged the public to do regular check-ups to be well-informed about their health conditions.

She advised the public to reduce the intake sugar and alcohol, do regular physical exercises, drink enough water, and adhere to the advice of health practitioners to protect themselves from contracting diseases.

Mrs Ama Gaisie, Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council of the Church said the exercise would help residents who were financially challenged to avail themselves for the screening and know their health status.

She said the Church would look at offering free legal services in future for residents who cannot afford the services of a lawyer, since it had been a bane in the country’s justice delivering system.

Some of the residents who spoke to the Ghana News Agency expressed appreciation to the Church and the medical team for the exercise.

Madam Naa Ayorkor Odoi, a beneficiary said she had an eye problem but could not seek medical help because of financial constraints, but the exercise had enabled her to be screened and referred to the clinic.

“I was screened for blood sugar and the health practitioner said I am okay but she advised me to reduce the intake of sugar foods”, Ms Serah Aryeetey said.

Nii Armah Ashitey, the Former Member of Parliament, Osu Korle Klottey donated an amount of GHc 1000.00 and Nii Adjei Tawiah, the Municipal Chief Executive of Osu Korley Klottey donated GHc 500.00 towards the health screening exercise.