Preventive health care is being promoted globally by the World Health Organization to help reduce the health burden on countries. The campaign for regular medical checkups is one of the most effective preventive health care interventions . This requires patients to see their doctors regularly for thorough evaluation to reduce their risk of chronic and life-threatening diseases.
Few decades ago, people only visited the hospital when they were either sick, injured or on their death bed. However, in recent times the visit to the hospital for medical checkup has become frequent in our modern society due to factors such as education which has, helped increase the health awareness among people.
Most people are now looking to lower their risk of various conditions or diseases by maintaining a healthy diet, weight, and level of physical activity.
A photo of people engaging in physical activities
Even though the regular visit to the hospital for regular medical checkups is gaining popularity worldwide, it seems it is yet to take roots in the Ghanaian society as it is not an activity people take seriously.
In an interview conducted in Labadi, Accra, some people stated that they don’t go for medical checkups because they cannot afford it. Others also stated they were afraid of being diagnosed with diseases when they go for checkups and as a result, they have decided not to go for checkups at all. Some people on the other hand said that they don’t see the value of health checkups and further indicated that it is a way the rich people in society waste their excess money.
Doctors are encouraging people to visit the hospital for checkups at least once in a year. Physician assistant (PA) , Rita Abanga who is an advocate for regular health checkups says that the failure of people to have medical checkups in endangering their health and well being.
P.A Rita Abanga on the negative effects of not going for checkups
There is a need for change in perception and attitude towards medical checkups if the wealth of Ghana depends on the health of its citizens.
By : Michael Budu Boakye
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