Deputy Chieftaincy Minister organises health screening for constituents

The Deputy Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Paul Essien has organized free health screening for people living in his constituency.

The exercise, dubbed "How well are you" registered over ten thousands (10,000) people from the various communities within the Constituency, and was held in collaboration with Philipa Baafi Foundation, Ministry of Health and Ghana National Petroleum Cooperation (GPNC) Foundation.

They were screened of various health problems, including dietetics, malaria, hypertension (Blood Pressure), hepatitis B, cholesterol, eye testing, among others.

The beneficiaries were also offered free medication and educated on the importance of living healthy.

This is the second of such medical exercise organised by Hon. Paul Essien for Jomoro, with the health screening taking place somewhere in 2013 when was he Assemblyman of Tikobo No. 1 electoral area.

The seven days exercise took place at some selected communities in the Municipality and the communities were, Sowodadzem, Half Assini, Elubo, Tikobo No. 1, Tikobo No. 2, Jaway Wharf and Beyin from 4th to 11th December, 2017.

In an interview with the www.ghanaweb.com, Hon. Paul Essien who is a Member of Parliament for Jomoro Constituency expressed his profound appreciation to Philipa Baafi Foundation, Health Ministry and GNPC Foundation for contributing towards the success of the exercise.

Explaining things to www.ghanaweb.com during the climax of the exercise at Beyin, Hon Essien promised to build more community-based health planning and services (CHPS) compounds in some parts of the Constituency to help meet the immediate health needs of the aged.

He stated that the CHPS compounds were needed as an intervention to control ailments, especially when health service has become expensive.

According to Hon. Essien, despite several other challenges that exist in the constituency, the health of his constituents remained paramount hence his decision to organise the screening.

He also advised the general public to regularly go in for check-ups as well and engage in physical exercise in order to stay healthy.

He revealed that, coming second week of January 2018, 100 participants who were identified by the health experts during the screening having eye problems will be given free eye test.

"I used part of MP's Social Intervention Funds to organise the exercise for my constituents", he emphasized.

He revealed to www.ghanaweb.com that plans are far advanced for the construction of a Polyclinic in the Constituency which will be situated at Elubo enclave to the existing Half Assini Government Hospital to improve the health conditions of the people.

He also pledged to organise it every year in the Constituency.

Ace and sensational gospel Ghanaian Musician and 'Physicio and Occupational Therapist' who is also the Founder of Philipa Baafi Foundation, Philipa Baafi told www.ghanaweb.com that her foundation focuses on the welfare of the aged also provide medical support for them.

She said society had neglected the aged with the perception that they are unable to contribute towards national development and also have nothing to offer.

She also applauded the Deputy Chieftaincy and Religious Minister for his unflinching support given to the Doctors, Nurses and other medical experts during their stay in the Constituency.

She disclosed that it was only in the Jomoro Constituency that her Foundation spent seven days of the Region hence the rest of other Districts in the Region, the Foundation spent only two days.

"Hon. Paul Essien indeed has the health of his constituents at heart", she applauded.

Speaking to some of the beneficiaries, they thanked Hon. Paul Essien for organising free health screening for them.

"We pray long life for Hon. Paul Essien and pleading with him that he should organise every year for us", they emphasized.

They advised the public especially those who couldn't take part in the exercise to be concerned about their health, adding that, hypertension and malaria are life threatening diseases.

The exercise created work opportunities for 56 youth temporarily in the Constituency who were tasked to work with the medical experts.