Veep inaugurates chiropractic centre in Accra

Accra, Nov. 25, GNA- Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Tuesday, inaugurated a Chiropractic and Wellness Centre in Accra, to facilitate the treatment of medical problems like pain, high blood pressure and the prevention of diseases.

The centre, which is the fifth in the country, was established by an African-American, Dr Marcus Manns and is being manned by US voluntary medical doctors and Ghanaian team mates. Chiropractic, which is low-cost and drug free is embraced in the US, where more than 60,000 licensed professionals takes care of millions of Americans.

Alhaji Mahama expressed concern about the rising trend of lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes, gout, obesity and high blood pressure, which, he said often affected people in their productive years.

"This situation has a huge implication on the productivity and development of our nation." Alhaji Mahama said the private sector remained a vital partner in health care delivery and commended Dr Manns and his team for their pioneering role in introducing the innovation. Major Courage Quashigah (RTD), Minister of Health, lauded the centre as a medical facility that would provide alternative means to promote health delivery. He said 51 years after independence; Ghanaians had a life expectancy rate of 57 years, while the country was spending about 762 million dollars a year on the management and treatment of malaria, a year.

Major Quashigah advocated the inclusion of health and nutrition on the school's curricula to expose pupils to the functions of the vital organs to promote longevity. Dr Manns said the facility was aimed at improving on the life expectancy of Ghanaians by offering free services to the people. Mr Barack Obama, US President-elect said in a newsletter on Chiropractic distributed at the function that he has plans to support chiropractors and prioritise preventive care. "As we shift our health care delivery system towards a culture of wellness and disease prevention. I believe that chiropractors must play an integral role in expanding access to preventive care and strengthening our public health system," he said. 25 Nov. 08