Vodafone ‘Healthfest’ train hit Ho with massive turnouts

 Dozens of residents in the Ho municipality of the Volta region thronged the forecourts of the Asogli State palace at Ho Bankoe, where the Vodafone Ghana ‘healthfest’ train made a stopover at the weekend to provide free health care.

The initiative put together by the Vodafone Ghana foundation, saw mostly local paramedics screened hundreds of persons including the aged, some of whom reported to the venue as early as 5am.

The screenings were done for ailments such as Diabetes, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis and HIV in a virtual health post setup, which has sections for registration, Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure Checks, Laboratory, Consultation and Pharmacy as well as a gymnasium and kids play corner.

The almost 800 patrons were also taking through health education on various lifestyle diseases and HIV.

Mr Courage Botchway the regional Data Officer at the National HIV Control Programme, spoke about importance of knowing ones HIV status, so that carriers, including pregnant women could be put on routine lifesaving treatment.

Mr Daniel Asiedu, Corporate Communications Manager of Vodafone, described the massive turnout as ‘very impressive and overwhelming’ and said the Healthfest is another indication of the telecom giant’s commitment to bringing quality health care to the door step of underprivileged Ghanaians.

According to him Vodafone’s health programmes including the popular television series ‘Healthline’ is aimed at bridging distance and cost between the people and health care delivery.

He further disclosed that, 15 people had so far benefited from ‘life changing’ treatments under the Healthline project from the Volta Region.

Dr Richmond Opare said high blood pressure was the common illness among those who have been diagnosed and most people with such condition had been on treatment but for one reason or another have stop regular visits to the hospitals.

He also disclosed that, there were a few cases of diabetes and HIV as well as some concerns with overweight.

An elder of the Asogli State, Daniel Ocloo Dzaba after taking his turn said the Healthfest was “a dream come true”, as he couldn’t even remember his last time of going through such a thorough medical screening. He also suggested monthly repetition of the exercise.

 Five regional capitals, including Ho have so far witnessed the Vodafone “Healthfest” which was launched in March 2014, with the five other regions will also have their turn in coming weeks.