The 12th World Day of the sick launched at Apam

Apam (C/R), Feb. 11, GNA - Individuals and organisations, especially health deliverers have been called upon to provide care and support for sick people.

The Vicar General of the Catholic Archdiocese of Cape Coast, the Very Reverend Michael Obosu who made the call on Friday, reminded them that the care and comfort they gave to the sick was to the glory of God. He said this when he launched the 12th World Day of the Sick at Apam, on behalf of his Eminence Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson, the Archbishop of Cape Coast.

The World Day of the Sick was instituted by Pope John Paul 11 to draw attention of the people to the plight of the sick and the theme for this year's celebration is "The Immaculate Conception and health in the Christian Roots".

The staff of St. Francis Xavier Hospital at Assin Foso, Our Lady of Grace Hospital at Breman Asikuma participated in the launch of the day. The Vicar General commended nurses for working hard to improve the health of people.

In a speech read on her behalf, Miss Joyce Aidoo, the Gomoa District Chief Executive, said the assembly had decided to provide the Apam Catholic Hospital with hospital beds and equipment for conducting HIV/AIDS test.

She appealed to the Catholic Church to provide accommodation for the staff of the hospital.

Mr John Afful, executive secretary of the Catholic Health Services of Archdiocese of Cape Coast, said the Church had established seven health institutions in Central Region.

They are Apam Catholic Hospital, St. Francis Xavier Hospital at Assin Foso, Our Lady of Grace Hospital at Breman Asikuma, St. Gregory Clinic at Buduburam, Mando Clinic at Ajumako Mando, Mercy Centre at Brafoyaw near Cape Coast and Mercy Women's Centre at Mankessim.

Dr Charles Ntiamoah Takyi, the Medical Superintendent of Apam Hospital attributed the upsurge of diseases in the country partly to poor sanitation and sexual promiscuity.

The District Health Administration, Local Council of Churches, Ghana Pentecostal Council and the District Health Committee delivered solidarity messages.