Media must check adverts on concoctions- GDA

Accra, Feb. 21, GNA- The Ghana Diabetics Association (GDA) at the weekend appealed to media houses especially the electronic medium to exercise restraint of advertisement of some local concoctions purported to cure the disease.

" This is because most innocent patients have fallen victim and have been affected by complications from the use of these concoctions." The concern was expressed at a workshop organised by the GDA in Accra to ascertain patients' perspective in managing the disease. Dr Kwamena Beecham, President of the GDA said that most of their members have asked the authorities to intervene and that the onus lies on the executives of the medium to cooperate with the Food and Drugs Board to stem the tide.


Dr Beecham noted that although about 4000 registered people are known to be diabetic this was just a tip of the iceberg because, most people are either ignorant and suffered the complications or could not afford to even be diagnosed.


He appealed to the Ghana Health Service and the World Health Organisation to support a programme for a nationwide survey to ascertain the correct number of patients with the disease.

The GDA president appealed to the government to lift all taxes on diabetic drugs since the disease cuts across social barriers. Dr Beecham urged all adults who have attained the age of 40 years to have a check of their sugar levels, saying that " we are all at risk but some are more at risk than others especially those with a family history, obsess and those living an unhealthy life styles."


Dr Juliet Addo of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital noted that since many people with diabetes have a high blood pressure it was imperative for such patients to continue their medications even when they are feeling well with their pressure going down.


Dr Felix Ofei advised diabetics to take their medications seriously since the disease could be managed in that way.