Pregnant women urged to attend antenatal clinics instead of prayer camps

Tema, Jan 27, GNA -- Pregnant women were on Tuesday advised to attend antenatal clinics to know their health condition rather than visiting prayer camps for intervention from pastors. Dr (Mrs) Ernestina Mensah-Quainoo, Tema Metropolitan Health Director said though seeking God's intervention in all spheres of life is very important it should not be done to the neglect of medical examination which helps to know their health condition. She gave the advice in an interview with the GNA during a meeting held in Tema to review the 2008 performance by the various health institutions operating in the Metropolis.

The Metropolitan Health Director debunked the notion that visiting ante and post natal clinics were costly, saying that, the National Insurance Health Scheme (NISH) was in operation for people to access free medical treatment at all government hospitals and designated private hospitals in the country.

She therefore entreated those who have not heeded the call to register their names to benefit from the exercise. Dr Mensah-Quainoo said malaria, hypertension, diabetes acute respiratory, dental problems, ulcers among others continue to be the common causes of hospital attendance and urged the public to observe simple health instructions. She stressed on regular exercise which strengthens the body and also seek early medication to their ailment to avoid complications. 27 Jan. 09