The Anidaso Parkinson’s Disease Foundation Ghana wants the government to put Parkinson’s disease medications on the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Director, Dr. Vida Obese, believes it will relieve the burden off the elderly who are already burdened with other diseases.
She was speaking at a forum to commemorate World’s Parkinson’s Day.
Dr. Obese noted that Ghana’s growing aging population requires attention to prevent ailments such as Parkinson’s disease.
“Ghana’s demography is moving towards the aging population, so we’re seeing lots of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.
“Already these patients are suffering from diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and other diseases so, for them to add on Parkinson’s disease medication is a burden on them.
“So, we’re advocating their medication, that is, Levodopa is put on the NHIS,” she appealed.
The Foundation also launched the book, ‘Understanding Parkinson’ Disease, An introductory Guide by Parkinson’s Africa and IPDGC-Africa’.
The move is part of the Foundation’s health literacy drive.
Dr. Obese appealed for funding for the initiative.
“Stakeholders, pay attention to these patients so that our health literacy drive, such as this book, is funded,” she said.
Though he underscored the importance of spiritual interventions, Anglican Bishop of Kumasi, Rt. Rev. Oscar Christian Amoah appealed to prayer camps to allow members to seek medical attention as well.
“We cannot rule out prayers but for those in prayer camps who’ll camp patients without allowing them to go to hospitals for treatment. That’s very dangerous,” he noted.
April 11 every year is designated as World’s Parkinson’s day.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “integrated health care, which is vital for all those living with PD."
Prof. Fred Stephen Sarfo, a Neurologist at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and patron urged the populace to look out for signs and symptoms of the disease to start early treatment to improve patients’ quality of live.
“If you feel the way you walk has become a little slow, if you feel your muscles have become a bit stiff or rigid and if the hand begins to shake at rest, you have to come to the hospital to start treatment,” he said.
Latest Stories
-
GOIL introduces Super XP RON 91 to give consumers more affordable options
6 mins -
Scottish Premiership: Mathew Anim Cudjoe and Dundee United secure promotion after Championship win
1 hour -
Leicester City trigger buy option for Fatawu Issahaku
2 hours -
We will ensure recent poor run of results is reversed – Hearts of Oak management to fans
2 hours -
GRA terminates 2 SML contracts, suspends upstream and minerals audit deal
2 hours -
Sister Derby joins Medikal on stage at 02 concert
2 hours -
Medikal’s 02 Concert: Shatta Wale, Sarkodie bring fireworks on stage
2 hours -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses Cecilia Dapaah’s case, vote-buying allegations in Ejisu
2 hours -
NACOC embarks on a search at Nsawam Prison
3 hours -
Ban on noise-making commences May 6
3 hours -
Foden wins Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award
3 hours -
FDA discovers expired food items at Zuarungu SHS storeroom
4 hours -
Bahamas World Relays: Ghana paired with world and Olympic champions in Heat 1
11 hours -
Bahamas 2024 Relays: Star-studded cast ready to put on pre-Paris show
12 hours -
Bahamas Relays preview: clash of global title-winning teams in men’s 4x100m
12 hours