‘Service Above Self’ and ‘One Profits Most Who Serves Best’ are the official mottoes of Rotary International, and by extension, of the Rotary Club of Accra Ridge. Rotary, a global humanitarian service organization, brings together business and professional leaders to promote goodwill and peace through service to those in need.
As part of its ongoing commitment to doing good in the world, the Rotary Club of Accra Ridge once again embarked on the third edition of its Free Annual Medical Outreach, aimed at providing essential healthcare to the residents of Kotoso and surrounding communities on the 20th and 21st of September, 2024.
With generous support and donations from companies and individuals, the selfless members of the Club, along with dedicated medical professionals from Accra—including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists—supported by the Kwahu East District Health Directorate and the Kwahu South Municipal Health Directorate, who have been part of this noble cause for the past three years, attended to over 600 residents of Kotoso, Zekorpe, Asempaneye, Tokrom, Hyewohoden, and the Kwahu Ridge area.
Services provided over the two days included testing for malaria, blood pressure checks, diabetes screenings, and care for diarrhoeal diseases, intestinal worms, skin conditions, hypertension, and other related ailments. Free medications were dispensed to all those who received care.
The current President of the Club, Efosa Aibangbee, in his address, reiterated the Club’s commitment to continuing this important initiative to ensure that the people of Kotoso and its environs continue to benefit from it. He expressed being particularly moved by the resilience, satisfaction and outpour of gratitude from the community.
He stated, ‘Nothing makes the heart smile more than knowing one has made an invaluable contribution to the life of another. We, as a Club, with the support of our sponsors and donors, will do our utmost to continue this life-changing initiative annually’.
Residents who participated in the outreach were highly appreciative of the Club’s gesture, expressing hope for more frequent visits in the future. Ms. Leticia Galinor Agblevu, a resident of Kotoso, shared, ‘Some of the residents have been struggling with their health for months but couldn’t afford to see a doctor. This program has been a blessing to the community, providing screenings, medication, and clothing’.
The lead doctor for the outreach, Dr. Alex Menka, highlighted the importance of community healthcare, stating, ‘Our goal is to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility. We believe that every individual, regardless of their financial situation, deserves access to quality healthcare services’.
At the event, James Dornu Tanihu, the Assemblyman for the area, expressed gratitude to the organizers, noting the importance of such initiatives, especially given the current economic challenges. ‘This outreach has made a significant impact on the community. Many residents face financial barriers to accessing medical care, and this initiative has provided a lifeline for those in need’.
Our sponsors, who made it possible for the Club to provide this service, included Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Xpress Gas Ltd, Investeye Capital Partners, Alsons Pharmacy, Adimed Pharmacy, Halkom Pharmacy, Alpha Pharma Unique Ltd, Mega Lifesciences Ghana Ltd, Nii Plants and Car Rental, A.K. Bannerman-William & Co, J.M. Addo and Sons Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Q-Capital Micro Finance, Voltron Jemen Ltd, Ink and Thread, Freedom Hills Hotel, and Corporate Intelligence Bureau. Additionally, several individuals contributed.
The Rotary Club of Accra Ridge is already planning its 4th edition of the free medical outreach and intends to expand the service to reach more communities. The Club would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to appeal to companies and individuals to support this noble cause by contacting Past President (PP) Yaa Ohenewaa Nkrumah at 024-464-6656 or via email at [email protected].
Together, let us make a MAGICAL difference in Kotoso, Kwahu.
