In a low-income economy like Ghana, most citizens have poor access to quality health delivery (QHD). The healthcare system in Ghana faces numerous challenges that hinder people's accessibility to quality health care.
A key issue is financial constraints, which force some individuals to seek alternative medical care. To address this, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine instituted the Mini Clinic program in 2021 to bridge the gaps in access to quality healthcare.
The Mini Clinic program involves taking health personnel and medications to the doorsteps of residents, addressing specific health needs of communities at no cost to them.
The program has been praised by health officials and residents of Obuasi and neighboring towns for its impact on providing a one-stop shop for accessing quality healthcare for all ailments. Diseases such as hepatitis, sickle cell, typhoid, hypertension, HIV, malaria, diabetes, and more are screened, while dental and eye care services are also provided.
Martin Safo Osei, the Obuasi Municipal Health Director, commended the Mini Clinic, which has so far cared for more than 30,000 people across AngloGold Ashanti's operational areas. He noted that it is rare to find free health outreach programs that screen an unlimited number of people at a time.
"The consistency is what marvels me. AngloGold Ashanti has consistently organized this program since its inception in 2021. Every quarter, they choose a particular community to hold these health screening programs. The feedback is amazing," Mr. Osei stated.
Speaking at the 14th edition of the Mini Clinic at the Obuasi Black Park, the Municipal Health Director said the vulnerable and the poor, who previously found it difficult to seek quality healthcare due to financial issues, have found solace in the Mini Clinic.
In Ghana, many health facilities focus on patients with primary, secondary, and tertiary health challenges, often paying little attention to regular check-ups or screenings for early detection of potential health issues.
According to a beneficiary of the Mini Clinic, Moses Tetteh, he had no knowledge of his medical condition, but thanks to the Mini Clinic, he was diagnosed with diabetes and received advice on managing the condition.
He encouraged AngloGold Ashanti to sustain the program, which he believes will go a long way in saving lives.
Edmond Oduro Agyei, the Community Relations Manager of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, explained that the Mini Clinic is a collaboration between the AGA Health Foundation (AGAHF), the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Health Foundation, GIZ (the German Development Agency), the Ghana Health Service through the Municipal Health Directorate, and the AGA Malaria Control Programme.
As the main sponsors of the program, he stated that the Mini Clinic is part of health intervention programs outlined in AngloGold Ashanti's 10-year socioeconomic development plan launched in 2022.
"As part of our health interventions, we have facilitated training for over 500 health workers in various health sub-specialties like burns treatment and management, heavy metals and toxins management, cervical, neonatal, and infectious disease prevention, among other areas," the Community Relations Manager revealed.
He also affirmed that AngloGold Ashanti is constructing ultra-modern health facilities with state-of-the-art equipment to serve the New Dokyiwaa/Binsere communities, expanding the Akrokerri Health Centre to include a newly constructed surgical theatre, and constructing a clinic at Apitikooko.
He expressed optimism that these facilities will bring much-needed relief to those who must travel for quality medical care and provide them with access to quality care and treatment.
Nana Kankam Boadu, Odikro of the New Estate community, commended AngloGold Ashanti for the Mini Clinic initiative and the various health intervention programs it has undertaken. He called on the residents of Obuasi to continue to support the company in fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities.
Kojo Bamba’s election will hurt NPP’s appeal to the middle class – Solomon Owusu
Sidelining the Church is fuelling indiscipline in schools – Most Rev. Gyamfi
Minority demands dismissal of Kofi Adams, GTA boss over alleged World Cup visa s...
Ghana’s inflation hits 5.2% in September, up from 5.0% in August – GSS
‘I became their slave’: Israeli hostage recounts 500 days in Hamas captivity
Finance Minister approves three quarters of rent allowances for security service...
NDC cannot be written out of NHIS success story – Dr. Sammy Ayeh
Mahama to cut sod for new 3,000-seater Accra Convention Centre – Felix Ofosu
Kojo Bamba denies rift with Nana B, explains absence from NPP executives’ meetin...
I have a strategy to win 70 'orphan' parliamentary seats for NPP in 2028 – Abang...
