Non-communicable diseases need more attention

Dr Jacob Akuamoah-Boateng, Chief Executive of the MAB International Hospital, has called on the Ghanaian health authorities to do more to address the increasing rate of non-communicable diseases in the country.

He said by far, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s) such as cancers, chronic respiratory, cardio and diabetes now occur in low and middle income countries, and research shows that two-thirds of diabetics reside in developing countries.

Dr Akuamoah-Boateng said this at a press conference on Tuesday to bring to the fore the hospital’s collaboration with the Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals of India, to provide effective and efficient but affordable healthcare delivery to Ghanaians.

He said the mission of the MAB International Hospital and MAB Medicare Centre is to bring quality and affordable health delivery to the doorsteps of Ghanaians hence their partnership with the Apollo Hospitals

He said the hospital currently provides assistance to some NCDs including strokes, cancers, asthma, diabetes, chronic kidney failure, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cataracts among others.

“It is our hope that in the near future, all healthcare delivery, which hitherto would have to be sent to abroad, will be done locally here at the MAB International Hospital with the team of specialists consultants from Apollo Hospitals,” he stated.

Dr Akuamoah-Boateng said according to World Health Organisation (WHO), by far NCDs were the leading causes of death representing 60 percent of all deaths and that in 2008, there were 57 million deaths worldwide and 36 million were due to NCDs, and this represents 63 percent.

He said to avoid contracting NCDs, people must be watchful in their eating habits and especially intake of alcohol and tobacco.

Dr Akuamoah-Boateng urged the people to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables because they help purify the human system and also undertake regularly exercise.

Dr Harinder Singh, leader of a five-member specialist consultants from Apollo Hospital, said they came to work together with MAB International Hospital to support and provide quality healthcare at a reasonable cost to the people.

He said it was a unique opportunity for them to learn from each other and to assist the citizens of both countries with their health needs.

Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi is the first internationally accredited hospital in India and has specific packages to meet the health needs of every individual and age group.

The rest of the team members are Dr Girish B. Navsundi, Cardiologist, Dr Vinitha Reddy, Radiation Oncologist, Dr Sandeep Guleria, Transplant Surgeon and Dr B.G. Ratnam, Neuro Surgeon.