Over 195 people at Kasoa New Town have benefitted from a free eye medical screening exercise by ASA Savings and Loans Limited.
The beneficiaries included men, women and children within the company’s catchment area. They were screened by Lifeline Laboratory and Medical Supplies.
The exercise included eye screening, malaria, blood pressure, hepatitis B, body mass index, pulse and glucose tests.
Senior Biomedical Scientist at Lifeline Laboratory and Medical Supplies, Felix Sarbah, explained that after the medical screening, 54 out of 180 who had their eye tested had defects and were given first aid treatment and advised to see an ophthalmologist.
Also, he said 100 people who were screened for hepatitis B all tested negative. “100 of them were screened for glucose and one, had high blood glucose and was given anti diabetic medication and was referred for further treatment”.
Again, he said 20 out of 100 people tested positive to malaria and were placed on anti-malaria medication and then counselled to sleep in insecticide treated nets.
He mentioned that 150 of them checked their blood pressure, and out of this figure, 64 recorded high blood pressure (B/P). They referred for further treatment.
He commended those who participated in the medical screening for their time and patience.
“At this branch most of the participants were interested in the special service (eye screening) and making inquiry on Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) screening. In subsequent screening we recommend management consider the service of an Otolaryngologist,” he added.
Kasoa New Town Branch Manageress, Atikatu Adam, was happy about the turn out. “This free medical screening falls under our health pillar in terms of our corporate social responsibility”.
“We also support special schools with food items, stationery, computers and its accessories among others,” she said.
Mr. Richard Nartey, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager of ASA Savings and Loans Limited said the medical screening is organized throughout the company’s branches and business centres throughout the country.
“We always want to ensure that communities and clients within our operational areas are in good health so they can go to work without any ill health”, he said.
In a related development, the Swedru branch of ASA Saving and Loans Limited have organised a similar exercise where 216 clients and community members have participated.
They were tested, screened and checked on eye, weight, blood pressure, pulse, malaria, hepatitis B and glucose.
According to Felix Sarbah, Senior Biomedical Scientist at Lifeline Laboratory and Medical Supplies, 204 participants underwent eye screening. 91 out of the 204 had defects in the eye and were given first aid and referred to see a specialist.
“100 people who were screened for hepatitis B were negative and two out of 100 people who were screened for glucose had high blood glucose and were given anti diabetics medication and referred for further treatment,” he said.
Mr. Sarbah added that 100 participants were screened for malaria. Eight, out of 100 tested positive and were placed on anti-malaria medication and advised to sleep in insecticide treated nets.
On blood pressure, he mentioned that 108 out of 200 people who were checked, recorded high blood pressure (B/P). They were given pre-medical for B/P and referred for further treatment.
He praised ASA Savings and Loans Limited for organizing the health screening.
Mr. Prince Nana Gyasi, Agona Swedru Manager of the company said: “We support small and medium enterprises especially women, with some loans to help them generate more profits, expand and sustain their business”.
Alam Safiul Mohammed, Area Manager noted that most of their clients are unable to check on their health due to work schedule. “We are glad most of these women have been able to check on their health”.
