Month: June 2024

Knees and hips are the foundation of the mobility and wellbeing, unfortunately, many take them for granted until problems arise.

‘Knee and hip issues can lead to chronic pain, limited movement, and a reduced quality of life,’ Mr. Jignesh Viradia, Chief Executive Officer of the African Medical Information Centre (AMIC has revealed.

Speaking to newsmen Mr. Viradia therefore stressed a need for proper management and screening, which would help individuals prevent or manage these problems.

‘Knee and hip health are crucial for our overall wellbeing. Regular screening and management can make a significant difference in preventing and treating problems,’ he stated, stressing effective pain management.

Mr. Viradia revealed that AMIC – Africa Medical Information Centre www.amicafrica.com and other partners are therefore initiating a groundbreaking health project to offer affordable and discounted premium Total Knee Replacement (TKR) and Total Hip Replacement (THR) surgeries to those in need. 

He said the comprehe
nsive free pre-screening camp, scheduled for June, July, and final surgeries in August, aims to revolutionise healthcare in Ghana.

‘Early detection and treatment can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, and screening can identify risk factors and enable preventative measures,’ he said.

‘These camps were organized on various different verticals, like transplants for kidney, liver, and pancreas-Cochlear implants for the deaf; neurosurgeons for tumours and brains; Onco-surgery for cancer; orthopaedics for bones; and complex surgery,’ he noted. 

He said AMIC, along with AMIC Medicare Diagnostic Centre is collaborating with AIMS Hospital, Wisconsin University, with support from the Dental Medical Council and other public health directorates, along with strategic stakeholders in the health sector, to offer free prescreening for knee and hip. The camp emphasizes only TKR-THR (knee and hip).

The camp will begin with free prescreening camps in June and July until the first week of August, followed by
the surgical camp at the end of August. A team of experienced surgeons from India and local doctors will perform the surgeries, along with hands-on training and CPD, while also providing live training sessions for local medical professionals.

‘We are committed to providing quality medical care and empowering local doctors with the latest techniques and expertise,’ he said, stressing that ‘this initiative is a game-changer for Ghana’s healthcare landscape, and we are proud to be a part of it.’

He said that for over a decade, AMIC-Africa Medical Information Centre (www.amicafrica.com) has been a leading healthcare information provider in Ghana, dedicated to providing quality and affordable healthcare. 

The surgical camp is a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare in Ghana. This will position Ghana as a medical tourism hub. The surgeries will not only transform the lives of those suffering from knee and hip conditions but also provide local medical professionals with the opportunity to receive train
ing and enhance their skills.

He recommended regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, proper footwear, and good furniture to help prevent strain.

He said the AMIC Africa Medical Information Centre, www.amicafrica.com, conducted an annual CPD/CME programme and brought specialist doctors and surgeons to train for the advancement and innovative technology in medical science. 

Mr. Viradia noted that AMIC had also conducted several prescreening camps in the past, not only in Ghana but in other countries in the West African Sub-region.

He said World Health Organisation (WHO) data indicated that approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide suffered from chronic musculoskeletal disorders, with knee and hip problems being among the most common. 

In Ghana, he noted that the prevalence of knee and hip problems was significant, with a recent study indicating that over 20 percent of adults experienced chronic knee pain.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Western Region office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has held a sensitisation programme for pupils within the metropolis on the effects of tobacco use and other narcotic drugs among young people.

The sensitisation programme, on the theme: ‘Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,’ was to educate the pupils on the dire consequences of tobacco consumption on the human body. 

Dr Martin Kusi, the Regional Director, FDA, said the World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared May 31 as the ‘World No Tobacco Day’, hence the sensitisation of the pupils on the harmful effects of using tobacco. 

He noted that some companies infused narcotic substances into toffees and other consumables, luring children and the youth into taking those substances, unaware of the consequences. 

Dr Kusi said children become addicted to such substances, especially tobacco, because of consistent intake of products made with narcotics. 

‘Smoking cigarettes and tobacco can lead to unhealthy living,’ he said, and t
hat individuals exposed to tobacco were at risk of diseases such as diabetes and hypertension and cancer of the lungs, breast, stomach, throat, and cervix. 

He emphasised that substance abuse did not only negatively affect the individual, but also families, communities and the nation. 

‘The wealth of a healthy nation is the health of the people,’ he noted. 

Mr Kusi reiterated the need for the Government to look out for its human resources, especially children, as they were the future of the nation. 

‘The human resource is important to boost productivity and anhance the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to contribute to economic growth.” 

He urged parents to monitor their children, especially their activities on social media and the information received from their peers in school and in the community. 

Miss Harriet Hackman, the Girl’s Prefect of Bishop Esuah Basic School, commended the FDA for the awareness creation among pupils on the effects of tobacco usage. 

Emmanuel Mensah, a pupil, shared his encounte
r with his peers who smoke and sniffed such substances, saying: ‘I’ll educate my friends on the harmful effects of tobacco, because this sensitisation has opened my eyes and understanding of the harmful effects of substance abuse.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

Arla Foods, producers of Dano Milk, have expressed commitment to contributing and promoting the nutritional and general wellbeing of children with the provision of its highly nutritious dairy milk.

Mr Wilson Agbeko, the Head of Marketing, Arla Foods, said the consumption of milk was necessary for every individual, due to its vitality, particularly for children, which would help in their growth and development.

He said this when the organisation donated Dano milk products, worth GHC 52,000, to the Pediatric Unit of the 37 Military Hospital, Accra, and some other health facilities including the Tema General Hospital.

The donation was in commemoration of this year’s World Milk Day, on the global theme: ‘Celebrating the vital role dairy plays in delivering quality nutrition to nourish the world.’

The World Milk Day was introduced in 2001 by the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and celebrated globally every year on June 1, to recognise the importance of milk in global nutrition.

Th
e benefits of milk and dairy products have been actively promoted around the world, including how they have supported the livelihoods of one billion people.

Mr Agbeko said in view of the importance of milk in boosting the immune system of people, mostly children, the organisation deemed it necessary to partner the hospital, especially the Children’s Ward, to commemorate the World Milk Day.

‘Milk is a nutrient dense product, aside from protein and calcium that take care of the muscles and the general well being, other nutrients such as vitamins A and B in milk also helps in boosting the immune system and promoting the well-being of consumers,’ he said.

For those whose immune system might have gone down, Dano milk would help to replenish them with its top quality product to help boost the rate of children’s recovery process.

Mr Paul Dowuona, the Managing Director of Arla Foods, said milk had been a staple in the diets for generations with its rich nutrients and goodness and served as a symbol of nourishment
, growth and vitality.

‘It warms my heart to see the smiles on the faces of these young ones, and I am inspired by their strength and resilience,’ he said.

‘As we celebrate World Milk Day, let us continue to strive for a healthier tomorrow, where the nutritional benefits of milk are accessible to all, ensuring that every child can grow up strong and healthy.’

Mr Dowuona urged all to remember the power of the simple yet extraordinary beverage.

‘ Let’s raise our glasses to a brighter future filled with health, happiness, and endless possibilities. Together, we can move towards a healthy tomorrow, one glass of milk at a time.’

Dr Sheila Asamoah-Okyere, the Acting Head of the Paediatric Unit, 37 Military Hospital, while commending the organisation for the support, said milk was an essential nutrition that children would need in their developmental stages.

‘The gesture means a lot to us, we have so many children on the ward today, and for us it would help boost their appetite and health and we are very grate
ful,’ she said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mama Hodzige II, Queenmother of Klikor-Agblorgame, has donated sanitary pads to 150 adolescent girls at Klikor Unity Basic School in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region.

She said the donation, which formed part of her ‘Menstrual Hygiene Project’ campaign, was to put smiles on the faces of the girls and advised them to be respectful, humble and take their studies seriously to realise their dreams.

Mama Hodzige asked them to be content with what they had and desist from joining bad company, which would result in bad influence and refrain from early sex in order not ruin their future.

She said engaging in early sex would expose them to sexually transmitted diseases and teenage pregnancy, which could have dire consequences on achieving their dreams.

Madam Cecilia Dokli, the Ketu South Municipal Girl-child Co-ordinator, sensitised the girls on menstrual hygiene management and how to use the sanitary pads properly.

Miss Yvonne Alorvor, a class six pupil, on behalf of her colleagues, expressed grati
tude to the queenmother for the gesture.

Torgbui Atsu Adraka Gawu Gabienu II, Domefiaga of Klikor Traditional Area; Torgbui Akpabli Nemi III, Wornumega of Klikor; Mama Nunenyo Dzatugbui V, Avoeme-Aflao, and Mama Amewoshina II of Klikor were among the dignatories present.

The donation formed part of Mama Hodzige’s ‘Menstrual Hygiene Project’ campaign.

Source: Ghana News Agency