Thousands patronise Cocoa Day Medical Outreach in Hohoe

Hohoe, Oct. 5, GNA - A medical outreach programme, heralding Cocoa Producer's Alliance celebration, christened "Cocoa Day", attracted heavy patronage in Hohoe and its environs. Close to 1,000 people thronged the Roman Catholic Boys School where they were screened for various medical conditions, including hypertension, eye-related problems, breast and blood sugar as well as general medical problems.

Mr Gilbert Gawu-Mensah, Administrator of Cocoa Clinic, told the Ghana News Agency, that the medical outreach was part of the Ghana Cocoa Board's social responsibility to cocoa farmers, their children and members of the general public, who are located outside its major health facilities in Accra, Tema, Tafo and Kumasi.

He said its laboratory and pharmacy departments relocated to Hohoe, for the national celebration at the weekend.

Mr Gawu-Mensah said five out of 250 people, who were screened for breast cancer, were referred for further medical consultation. The Administrator said the majority of people screened for eye-related problems tested for cataract, retinal degeneration, refractive errors and conjunctivitis. Fifty per cent of the people were diagnosed of hypertensions while 20 others tested for diabetes with additional 10 having high cholesterol levels. Mr Gawu-Mensah said drugs were discharged free of charge to those who patronised the exercise. A 26-member medical team comprising three doctors facilitated the exercise. 4 Oct. 10