The Management of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) organized a health screening and awareness event for all staff of the School. The event which was initially scheduled for October 2024 as part of the Breast Cancer awareness month activities, had to be postponed to 6th November, 2024 to ensure the participation of all employees of SGS.
The programme is in line with University of Ghana Strategic priority 3 which emphasises commitment to Faculty and staff.
Medical activities undertaken during the event included, tests for Blood Pressure, Fasting Blood Sugar, Breast cancer screening and one-on-one medical counselling based on the readings of the health vitals.
In his opening remarks the Dean of the SGS, Professor Robert Darko Osei, emphasised the need for such medical activities and proposed that it should become an annual event.
The medical team was led by Drs. Adwoa Oforiwaa Kwakye and Thelma Ohene-Agyei. They were supported by Drs. Josephine Bediako, Diane E. Mankartah, Ama Anima Asiedu-Danquah, Mr. Abednego Agbeti (Technician), Mr. Gyimah Effah (Research Assistant) Ms. Ivy Asubonteng-Manu (Administrator) and six students, all from the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy.
Dr. Kwakye gave a talk on the importance of maintaining a healthy life style. In her speech she made it known to the staff that hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease are related. That is, one could lead to the other. She advised that diets should contain more fruits, vegetables and less carbohydrates. She also emphasised the need for enough rest and simple exercises such as walking for errands within short distances instead of driving. She mentioned that staff on medication should take their drugs consistently as prescribed by the doctors. Dr. Kwakye highlighted the need to drink enough water reiterating the role water plays in the human body.
Dr. Joana Larry- Afutu, a Clinical Psychologist from the Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, followed with a talk on Mental Health. She underscored the need for individuals to have enough sleep, a good work life balance, and practice forgiveness.
Mr. Ernest Nyame-Annan of the Red Cross Society of Ghana provided a short training on first aid. He spoke on how to resuscitate individuals who lose consciousness. He educated the staff on the danger of pouring cold water on unconscious beings and people who suffer burns and warned staff to refrain from the act.
The breast screening was conducted by nurses Vera Senyagbafor (UGMC), Mary Larbi (UG Hospital) and Abena Odeibea Adade (UG Hospital).
The Vice Dean, Professor Irene M. Kretchy, in her closing remarks, acknowledged the medical team and expressed appreciation for their support. She also appreciated the sponsors of the event. Pharmacist Reginald Sekyi-Brown provided T-shirts for all the staff of SGS. Rolack Pharmacy donated medications, and Palb Pharmaceuticals gave the Glucometer and strips.
For refreshments, Emigoh Ghana Ltd provided Yomi yoghurt while the Dean sponsored smoothies and a kenkey party.
The programme was moderated by the School Administrator, Mr. Worlanyo Newton Torvinyo
Representatives from Public Affairs Directorate, UG, Messrs. Vincent Amedzake and Cecil David Sarfo, took footage of the event.