Dr Fred Kyei Asamoah, the Member of Parliament for Offinso North, is urging the government to implement a national policy mandating annual medical checkups for all adult Ghanaians, particularly urban residents and public officials.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Dr Asamoah expressed concern over the increasing rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, which he said often go undetected until it is too late.
“All I’m advocating for is a national policy that ensures every Ghanaian undergoes an annual wellness visit to check their health status,” he stated. “Conditions like high blood pressure, elevated sugar levels, and cholesterol imbalances don’t just appear overnight—they build up silently over time.”
Dr Asamoah stressed that many Ghanaians avoid checkups due to a fear of being diagnosed with chronic conditions. However, he emphasised that early detection and timely intervention could save lives and prevent the serious consequences of untreated diseases.
“People are afraid of being told they have hypertension or diabetes. But it’s always better to know early and take steps than to be caught off guard by cardiac arrest or sudden death,” he said.
He further noted that when individuals become incapacitated due to preventable illnesses, the impact extends beyond the personal, creating a collective burden on families, communities, and the national healthcare system.
Calling for bold leadership and policy direction, Dr Asamoah proposed that Ghana should become the first country in Africa to implement a large-scale, preventive healthcare strategy focused on mandatory annual health screenings for all citizens aged 18 and above.
“This is why we must act proactively. Let’s be the first country in Africa to implement a large-scale preventive healthcare policy focused on annual wellness checks,” he urged.
According to Dr Asamoah, such a policy could significantly reduce the nation’s disease burden, increase life expectancy, and enhance overall public health.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
