Access to diabetes care will improve service — NCD Programme Manager
The Programme Manager of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD), National Public Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Dr Efua Commeh, says affordable and inclusive healthcare services, coupled with innovative telemedicine solutions, can bring diabetes care to remote areas and marginalised populations.
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The services, she said, would create a more accessible and patient-centered approach to managing the chronic condition.
This came to light in a speech read on her behalf by a Public Health Physician, Dr Valeria Osei Tutu when the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH) launched its campaign against Diabetes and Hypertension in Accra on Tuesday.
Dubbed: “Know your risk, know your response”, the compaign is aimed to raise awareness and foster understanding of the global health challenge that affects millions.
Dr Commey said in addressing the multifaceted aspects of access to diabetes care, the country would move closer to a future where the burden of diabetes was alleviated, and the well-being of individuals and communities uplifted.
“Timely identification of diabetes is crucial for effective management and prevention of complications.
We must work towards establishing robust screening programmes, particularly in underserved communities to ensure that individuals have the opportunity for early intervention and appropriate care,”
As part of the activities to mark the World Diabetes Day, GARH in collaboration with the Diabetes Endocrine & Metabolic Society of Ghana (DEMSoG), organised a free health screening and medical care.
The exercise saw about 100 people screened for various health conditions, including sugar level, blood pressure and other vitals by a team of health professionals made up of medical doctors, laboratory technicians, pharmacists and nurses from GARH.
The beneficiaries were screened and counselled, while those identified with complications were given further diagnosis and care.
Data
The Internal Medicine Resident of GARH, Dr Duke Kwaku Agbodeka, stated that data from the hospital for the month of September revealed that 36.4 per cent of patients with stroke were young people below the age of 60 years with hypertension being the leading cause among patients aged 30 and 49.
He also mentioned that data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) also revealed that by 2030, there would be 484 people living with diabetes per 1,000 people.
He, therefore, urged policy makers to resource its wellness centres to help support the various hospitals in the country.
Cardiovascular disease
In an interview with the Director of GARH, Dr Emmanuel Srofenyoh, he said uncontrollable BP and diabetes contributed to cardiovascular diseases, as well as kidney and liver damages as a result of self medication and irregular check-ups.
He said the hospital would continue with public awareness to give additional thoughts on the condition saying,” our wellness centres will be opened, so that anyone who walks in will be attended to.”
The Dietician of GARH, Chame-Manukwe Edward, said nutrition and physical activity were important parts of a healthy lifestyle for people living with diabetes.
A Diabetes and Endocrinology Specialist, Dr Ceceilia Kootin-Sanwu, said the screening was to check the sugar levels of beneficiaries to know their risk of developing diabetes.
She advised the general public to exercise at least 30 minutes every day and screen regularly.
