In celebrating Ashanti Month, the Telecel Ghana Foundation has organised two of its flagship health initiatives, Healthfest and Homecoming in Kumasi to support the healthcare and well-being of residents and communities in the region.
Healthfest
As a demonstration of healthcare support and community spirit, the telco organised Healthfest – a free medical screening event for a wide range of health checks such as blood pressure, blood sugar, malaria, hepatitis B, HIV, typhoid, weight and general health consultations in the bustling streets of K.O. Freeman in Ashtown.
A total of 483 people received free medical screening and health advice based on the outcomes of the checks. The Foundation also facilitated the registration, replacement and renewal of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for 300 inhabitants of Kumasi.
For many residents like 53-year-old petty trader and mother of three, Naomi Antwi Agyei who couldn’t afford regular check-ups, Healthfest provided them with valuable insights into their medical conditions and how to take better care of themselves.
“I am always skeptical about health outreach programmes but attending today’s medical screening by Telecel Ghana Foundation has been very helpful. I never knew I had health conditions but now that I’m aware, I can take steps to manage them,” Mrs. Antwi Agyei said.
Healthfest was designed not only to provide immediate health checks but to also encourage people to embrace healthier lifestyles and seek treatment, if needed.
Homecoming
As Healthfest was in progress in Ashtown, about eleven kilometres in Atonsu, the Foundation was simultaneously organising Homecoming – an initiative to settle the outstanding debts of recovering patients burdened by medical expenses at the Kumasi South Hospital.
The Foundation covered the medical bills of about 15 indebted patients recovering from various health conditions including skin burns, auto accidents, surgeries, chest infections and birth complications, who were discharged to reunite with their families.
In addition, the Foundation donated medical supplies such as gloves, fetoscopes, bedsheets and toiletries to the mother and baby unit of the hospital, to equip maternal health officers in caring for expectant and nursing mothers.
“The clearing of the treatment costs of patients and donation of medical supplies will make a huge difference. This gesture has empowered the hospital to work and save the lives of patients as well as deliver quality health care to those in need,” said Dr. Gyamfi Yeboah, Administrator for Kumasi South Government Hospital.
The Connected Health initiatives of Telecel Ghana Foundation during Ashanti Month are a testament to the power of community-driven healthcare. With Homecoming, the Foundation provided direct relief to individuals facing overwhelming medical expenses, while Healthfest ensured that the broader community had access to critical health screenings and education.
Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson said “We believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their financial situation or socioeconomic background. With our Connected Health Initiatives, we are contributing to prime healthcare delivery and community health support for people and communities in Kumasi and other parts of the Ashanti Region.”
Two-year-old Richmond has both thighs bandaged as a result of hot soup pouring on his pelvic region in a kitchen accident. Recovering from the skin burns on his lower body, Richmond’s health condition is compounded by the inability of the family to pay his medical bills.
His dad, Kurt Asubonteng was grateful to the Foundation for coming to their aid. “This gesture from Telecel Foundation is a miracle for us. Although Richmond was ready to be discharged, we struggled to raise funds to clear his treatment bills. With Telecel Foundation coming to our aid, we can now go home as he heals from the burns,” Kurt said.
