The KGL Foundation has organised a health screening and blood donation exercise in Techiman in the Bono East Region, providing more than 200 residents with access to preventive healthcare services.
The outreach, organised in collaboration with Koranteng Memorial Clinic and AgricoHub, offered screening for breast cancer, blood pressure, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and eye conditions, among other health checks.
Held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the initiative sought to promote early detection of diseases, encourage regular medical examinations and bring essential healthcare services closer to the public.
Among the beneficiaries was Thomas, an 18-year-old student who said the exercise would help students safeguard their health and remain focused on their education.
“This is my first time participating in health screening because we will spend more than three months in school before vacation. We need to be healthy to study in school,” he said.
Thomas expressed hope that the screening would not reveal any condition that could disrupt his education and urged fellow students to make regular health checks a priority.
“Some illnesses cannot be detected with our physical eyes. It will require medical screening, so I encourage every student to participate in health screening,” he added.
Beyond Breast Cancer Awareness
The Programmes Manager of the KGL Foundation, Mr Nii Ankonu Annorbah-Sarpei, said the exercise went beyond breast cancer awareness to address participants’ general health needs.
“We’re not just covering breast screening; we’re also checking people’s general well-being, specifically ear screening, eye testing, and blood pressure,” he said.
He explained that the initiative targeted the general population, particularly young people and women, while encouraging both men and women to participate in breast screening.
Mr Annorbah-Sarpei said the Foundation remained committed to promoting preventive healthcare and educating the public on the importance of identifying potential health problems early.
The Chief Executive Officer of Koranteng Memorial Clinic, Madam Elizabeth Korsah Koranteng, also underscored the importance of early screening in ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.
“Breast cancer can financially derail you, so it’s important to screen for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment,” she said.
She urged the public to disregard misconceptions surrounding breast cancer, including beliefs that the disease was a curse, and instead seek accurate medical information and professional care.
Health & Economic Productivity
The Chief Executive Officer of AgricoHub, Mr George Antwi Boasiako, said the collaboration reflected the importance of good health to economic productivity and business growth.
He noted that entrepreneurs and business owners needed to pay attention to their well-being while pursuing their commercial ambitions.
“We believe that while you focus on your business and business growth, it is important to look at your health and wellbeing, which is why we are collaborating with KGL Foundation for the health outreach,” he said.
“The idea is that you should be healthy and able to run your business,” he added.
One of the female participants said regular medical screening was an important part of her healthcare routine.
“My health is my priority, so I need to screen all the time,” she said, explaining that she regularly visited the hospital for checks involving HIV, breast cancer, HPV and hepatitis B.
Blood Donation
The health outreach also featured a blood donation exercise aimed at supporting the availability of blood for patients who require transfusions.
A medical expert at the event emphasised the importance of voluntary blood donation, noting that donated blood could help save lives in emergencies and other medical situations.
“Blood donation is very important because you, yourself, a friend, or a family member may need it,” she said.
She encouraged the public to appreciate blood donation as a vital contribution to healthcare, stressing that anyone could require a transfusion at some point in life.
The Techiman outreach forms part of efforts to promote preventive healthcare, increase public awareness of breast cancer and other health conditions, and encourage individuals to take greater responsibility for their well-being.
