A medical outreach programme in Tarkwa has revealed increasing cases of chronic diseases and suspected opioid abuse among residents in mining communities, raising concerns about public health in the area.
The programme, organised under the HEAL Programme by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation in partnership with the Society of Family Physicians of Ghana and the National Health Insurance Authority, offered free health screening, treatment, medication, counselling, as well as NHIS registration and renewal to about 1,000 people.
The Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Abdel Razak Yakubu, said the outreach has become a quarterly exercise due to the worrying health conditions recorded in host communities.
He noted that previous screenings have shown rising cases of hypertension, diabetes, joint-related diseases, and drug abuse, particularly opioid use among the youth.
Yakubu also expressed concern over the increasing number of deaths among young people in their 30s and 40s in the Tarkwa area, describing the trend as alarming. He explained that the programme goes beyond screening, as patients with serious conditions are referred and monitored for follow-up care.
He added that more than 70 percent of Gold Fields’ workforce comes from host communities, making community health a critical business priority.
The President of the Society of Family Physicians Ghana, Dr. Baaba Nnina Damoah, confirmed that chronic conditions dominated the cases recorded during the exercise. She said many residents were unaware of their health status until they were screened.
Dr. Damoah urged residents to adopt healthier lifestyles by reducing stress, exercising regularly, eating balanced diets, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.
Meanwhile, the Tarkwa Nsuaem Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority, Stephen Ayonbisa, encouraged residents to use the NHIS mobile app to renew their memberships conveniently.
ALSO READ:
Stop spreading false reports on Constituency Secretary’s death – NDC Chairman
Woman, 24, allegedly attacked during robbery attempt at Akatsi
