Ashaiman Polyclinic’s Wellness Clinic Promotes Preventive Health Care

At the Ashaiman Polyclinic, Mrs. Cecilia Ankomah, a Principal Nursing Officer, is advocating for the public to actively participate in regular health checks at their Wellness Clinic. This initiative, she explains, is a proactive approach to prevent illnesses rather than waiting for them to develop.

According to Ghana News Agency, who spoke with the Ghana News Agency’s Tema Regional Team, the Wellness Clinic is a Ghana Health Service initiative designed to allow healthy individuals to undergo medical examinations without the need to go through the standard Out Patients Department (OPD) procedures. This approach not only reduces pressure on the OPDs but also provides expedited services to clients.

The focus of the wellness clinic is primarily on prevention rather than cure. Mrs. Ankomah emphasized the importance of early detection of diseases, which leads to more effective treatments and improved chances of recovery. She encourages residents of Ashaiman and surrounding areas to utilize the services of the wellness clinic for preventive health care, moving away from the traditional emphasis on curative care.

The wellness clinic offers free consultations with doctors, though clients are responsible for the costs associated with medical lab tests. The range of services provided includes checks for liver and kidney function, lipid profiles, blood sugar levels, full blood count, blood grouping, sickle cell status, hyperthyroidism, and urine tests. Additional tests for malaria, eye-visual acuity, ear, nose, and throat examinations, electrocardiography (ECG), breast examinations, cervical and prostate cancer screenings, voluntary HIV tests, and dental care are also available.

Mrs. Ankomah also noted that the wellness clinic works in tandem with the Family Health Department of the Ashaiman Polyclinic to conduct community education and screening activities, particularly focusing on breast cancer and other illnesses. To further promote preventive health, the clinic engages with religious groups and identifiable groups in the community, educating people on the importance of regular medical check-ups.