In the heart of the Asante Akim North district, nestled amidst lush greenery and farmland, lies the community of Abrewapon and Mankala.
While the scenery paints a picture of serenity, the reality for its residents is far from tranquil when it comes to healthcare access.
For years, the absence of a healthcare facility has forced the residents of Abrewapon and Mankala to rely on herbal concoctions as their sole recourse for medical treatment.
The lack of even an over-the-counter pharmacy shop exacerbates their plight, leaving them vulnerable during times of sickness.
“We suffer during sickness. Our only option is to resort to herbs and other herbal concoctions,” laments one resident, highlighting the desperation that pervades the community”.
The reliance on traditional remedies, while rooted in cultural heritage, poses significant risks to the health and well-being of the residents.
Basic medical emergencies, from snakebites to pregnancy complications, are routinely referred to the district capital, Agogo, a journey fraught with peril due to the deplorable state of the roads.
Pregnant women, in particular, face harrowing experiences, with some forced to deliver en route to the nearest health facility.
Chief Nana Yaw Opoku paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by the community, recounting a recent incident where he was called upon to assist a pregnant woman in labor.
The lack of proper transportation options compelled him to transport her on a motorbike, a risky endeavor that could have ended in tragedy were it not for divine intervention.
The urgent need for a healthcare facility cannot be overstated. Residents stress the importance of at least a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound to serve as a first-aid center and address their basic healthcare needs.
Such a facility would not only provide timely medical assistance but also alleviate the strain on neighboring health centers in Agogo.
The plea from Abrewapon and Mankala is a cry for dignity and basic human rights.
Access to healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental necessity that no community should be deprived of.
As stakeholders deliberate on healthcare priorities, let us heed the call of these marginalized voices and work towards ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all.
The time to act is now, for every life saved is a testament to our commitment to the well-being of our fellow citizens.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
