The Prostate Health Foundation Ghana has commenced a nationwide prostate and general health screening exercise for inmates and officers of the Ghana Prisons Service.
The initiative is aimed at promoting preventive healthcare, early detection and health awareness among prison populations who may have limited access to regular prostrate screening due to their incarceration.
The exercise began Over the weekened at the Kumasi Central Prison over the weekend, where 350 people benefited from the screening.
The beneficiaries included 300 male inmates and 50 prison officers, comprising both males and females.
A six-member medical team conducted the exercise, made up of two doctors, a sonographer, three nurses and a laboratory technician.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Prostate Health Foundation Ghana, Rebecca Nana Yaa Konadu, said participants underwent prostate scans and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests, alongside other general health examinations.
“We did a scan, that is prostate scan, and then we did PSA test. Among other tests, we did hepatitis B, typhoid fever, malaria and fasting blood sugar. The Prostrate screening is very critiical intervention for the inmates because many have been imprisoned for years and if we don’t check by the time they finish their sentences ,their prostrate conditions may have reached deadly stage” she explained.
According to the Foundation, some inmates were found to have minor indications of prostate-related conditions and have been referred for further tests and assessment.
The screening team also observed cases of elevated blood pressure among some prison officers, although not all the cases were significantly high.
The Foundation said the observation underscored the importance of regular blood-pressure monitoring, particularly for people working in demanding environments.
Other health concerns were also identified among some inmates, highlighting the need for continued access to healthcare services within correctional facilities.
The screening exercise also provided participants with health education on the importance of regular medical check-ups and early detection of diseases.
The Foundation said the programme would target communities and institutions across the country, with particular attention to men aged 40 years and above who may have limited access to regular prostate screening.
The organisation cited prostate cancer as a major global health concern, noting that it is among the most common cancers affecting men.
The Prostate Health Foundation Ghana said it believes early detection can improve health outcomes and remains committed to taking prostate screening and health education to communities and institutions across Ghana.
The Foundation expressed appreciation to the Ghana Prisons Service and the management of the Kumasi Central Prison for their support and cooperation.
The team included Chairman of the Foundation, Hon. Clement Wilkinson; Project Manager, Nicholas Tawiah; and Executive Member, Nana Oduro.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
