The Greater Accra branch of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has hosted a health seminar today, March 27, 2026, as part of its “Professionalism Month” celebrations.
The event, themed “Importance of Laboratory Testing—Get Tested to Know Your Health Status”, was held at the University of Ghana, Accra City Campus.
The seminar aims to bridge the gap between laboratory science and public awareness, emphasising the critical role that accurate testing plays in disease prevention and health management.
Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr Gloria Amegatcher, stressed that understanding one’s health status through professional diagnostics is the first step toward a healthier lifestyle and effective medical treatment.
She noted that the seminar was designed to be more than just a lecture.
According to her, the exercise focuses on three key pillars: Health Education: Providing the public with expert insights into common medical conditions; Diagnostic Awareness: Encouraging individuals to take proactive steps in monitoring their health through regular testing and Community Engagement: Creating an open forum where participants can talk more about health concerns with qualified professionals.
”The month of March is our Professionalism Month, and it was important for us to use the opportunity to raise awareness and engage in public education about our work and the need for them to prioritise their health. We encouraged them to adopt healthy living, including the consumption of a balanced diet, getting enough rest, and practising safer living, including safer sexual lifestyles. We also raised awareness about staying away from hard drugs, since that is crucial in ensuring stability for the students. We also encouraged them to regularly test so they will know their status.”
She revealed that they will continue this awareness by moving to other schools and academic institutions, stressing the need to balance their studies, health, and stress.
On the issue of new sexually transmitted infections, she encouraged the students to stay safe by protecting themselves, indicating that HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B infections are on the rise, with several individuals unaware of their status.
She stated that it was important for them to either abstain from sex or use protection, she added.
This event marks a cornerstone of the GAMLS Professionalism Month, a period dedicated to highlighting the standards of excellence and ethics within the medical laboratory profession in Ghana.
Regional Branch Launches “Professionalism Month” to Promote Medical Testing
Dr Johnson Tosenu Mensah, chairman of the regional branch, expanded on the PRO’s remarks by drawing a parallel to national initiatives.
He noted that just as President John Dramani Mahama introduced “Nationalism Month” to encourage the appreciation of Ghanaian products and services, the branch has established Professionalism Month.
The primary goal of this initiative is to instill a culture of professional medical consultation, specifically among students.
Regarding the benefits of proactive healthcare, Dr Mensah stated, “It is important that as individuals, we undergo regular testing so we know our status, allowing for the early detection and treatment of any medical conditions. It is also important to note that self-medication is unwise; it is proper to test when sick before drugs are administered.”
Saving Lives Through Professional Care
The chairman emphasised that the ultimate objective is to save lives.
The campaign he added seeks to steer the public away from the risks of self-medication and toward seeking professional medical care.
Blood transfusion
Medical laboratory scientist Dr Kelly West defines blood transfusion as the intravenous administration of donated blood or specific components to a patient.
This vital intervention addresses critical needs arising from severe anaemia, traumatic injury, surgical complications, chemotherapy, and chronic illnesses such as sickle cell disease.
The procedure provides immediate, life-saving stabilisation through the restoration of oxygen-carrying capacity, the stabilisation of blood pressure, and the delivery of essential clotting factors to prevent haemorrhage.
Dr West emphasises that safety remains paramount, maintained through rigorous cross-matching of ABO and Rh blood groups to avert adverse immune reactions.
Modern practice prioritises component-specific therapy, replacing only the necessary elements of the blood.
This targeted approach maximises the utility of donated units while mitigating risks like fluid overload, ensuring patients receive precise biological support during medical crises.
Koko Mensah, the one in charge of the chairperson for programmes at the Students’ Representative Council, expressed gratitude to the organisers for the seminar.
He also commended the students who participated.
Participants at the seminar expressed gratitude to GMLS and encouraged them to extend the seminar to other schools.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
