Don’t self-medicate — NGO cautions fisherfolks

New Vision Foundation International, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in the Central Region, has advised Ghanaians, especially fishermen to stop self-medication.

This, according to the NGO, will prevent them from developing dangerous health complications.

According to the Vice President of the NGO, Prof. Awuah Nyamekye, studies have shown that fisher-folks often indulge in self-medication due to the nature of their work thus endangering their health unknowingly.

He made this known during a free medical health screening exercise organised by his outfit for the fisherfolks in Elmina last Tuesday.

Prof. Nyamekye stated that the NGO has, therefore, decided to hold free medical screenings in all coastal areas starting with Elmina to sensitise them on the dangers of the act.

“We realise that our fisher-folks often self-medicate without going to the hospital due to the time consuming nature of their work and we have observed how dangerous this is claiming lives of the people,” he observed.

Founder and Executive Director of the NGO, Mr. Gabriel Adams, further explained that the exercise, which was in partnership with the Elmina Traditional Council, the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipal Assembly, the Municipal Health Directorate and the Municipal Department of Social Welfare, will benefit more than 300 residents.

He indicated that the nation benefits a lot from fishermen and fish mongers, adding that, that was the reason for the gesture since they do not seem to care too much about their health.

He mentioned Diabetes, Hypertension or Blood Pressure, Hepatitis B, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Breast Cancer as some of the conditions that will be screened.

Mr. Adams advised them to go for regular check-ups and seek medical care from appropriate health facilities instead of quacks and self-medication to get the right diagnosis for their ailments.

Chief of Elmina Bantama, Nana Kwei Gyan, who represented the Omanhene of the area, Nana Kodwo Conduah VI, thanked the NGO for the gesture, saying they often have to travel all the way to Cape Coast to seek medical help and were therefore grateful to them for bringing healthcare to their doorstep.