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17.11.2008 Health

Graphic, Toyota Organise Free Health Screening

17.11.2008 LISTEN
By Daily Graphic

For the fourth year running, more than 500 people in Adabraka, Accra, have benefited from free health screening organised by the Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL) in collaboration with Toyota Ghana Limited.

The Managing Director of GCGL, Mr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, explained that the initiative was part of the company's commitment to promoting the welfare of its local community, contending that no business could hope to flourish if it was not prepared to give something back to the community in which it operates.

He addressed these words to those assembled at All Saints Church Adabraka, the venue of the screening, as part of the official launch of the day's event.

Mr Awal also took advantage of the opportunity to addressed broader social issues, including the forthcoming elections, reminding those present that a peaceful election was crucial to the well-being of all Ghanaians.

"Ghana is all we have," he stated, urging those present to treat political leaders with respect.

The ceremony was attended by the Queen of Adabraka, Naa Kork or Aadzieoyi I, and other elders of the Atukpai Royal Family, many of whom later showed their support by participating in the screening.

A medical team, led by staff members from GCGL clinic, was responsible for providing basic medical attention to the crowds, which had already gathered early that morning.

 

 They were joined by volunteer doctors and nurses from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and  counsellors from the Ghana Business Coalition.

This year, patients benefited from a widest range of medical services yet offered by the company as part of a health screening project.

As well as receiving free anti-malarial tablets, painkillers, antibiotics, key vaccinations, vitamin supplements and de-worming medication, patients were given access to voluntary HIV/AIDS testing and, for the first time since the scheme began, dental treatment.

GCGL's resident doctor, and head of the medical team conducting the screening, Dr Henry Aidoo, noted that the screening often revealed a number of people suffering depression, who had been forced to suffer without treatment for even the most common ailments due to a lack of funds.

"What we do provides hope for some people," he said.

Patients who attended the event were also screened for more serious conditions and referred to hospital for further free treatment, where necessary.

 

The Public Affairs Manager of GCGL, Mr Albert Sam, said money from the Graphic Needy Fund would be used to finance such follow-up medical attention.

Mr Sam said since the first GCGL health-screening initiative in 2005, the company had sought to collaborate with as many companies based in Adabraka as possible, this year arranging sponsorship from car manufacturer Toyota Ghana Ltd.

The Chief Executive of Toyota Ghana Ltd, Mr Masato Kimata, expressed a similar awareness of the importance of corporate social responsibility.

He said the health screening was just one way in which the company was working to enhance quality of life in the area, mentioning other initiatives aimed at improving education and road safety.

Story by Emma Ballantine Dykes

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