A 35-day free medical outreach across parts of Kwabre East, Tafo, Suame, Asawase, Manhyia North, Manhyia South, Oforikrom and Subin has uncovered alarming levels of undiagnosed life-threatening conditions, including high blood pressure, cataracts, glaucoma and breast cancer risks.

More than 9,000 residents were screened, revealing what health professionals described as “a worrying burden of undiagnosed disease.”

Health teams detected 874 high blood pressure cases, with many patients recording dangerously high readings between 180 and 220—levels that pose an immediate risk of stroke, blindness or heart failure.

According to public health officer Daniel Gbeklu, many of these individuals were learning about their condition for the first time.

“The new cases were unusually high. Some people had no idea they were living with such dangerous BP levels. We had to monitor them repeatedly—three checks—to confirm before providing medications,” he said.

Critical cases have been referred to district health directorates for urgent follow-up.

EYE CONDITIONS SURGE

Eye care cases dominated the findings, with 6,656 eye examinations, 1,820 refractions, 631 cataract cases and 308 glaucoma cases recorded. Already, 112 cataract surgeries have been completed, and more than 600 residents have received free medicated spectacles.

Project Coordinator Dr Mohammed Kamil Mohammed described the trend as alarming.

“The sheer number of cataract and glaucoma cases is overwhelming. These are conditions that require simple interventions. With basic treatment, many of these people could regain their sight,” he said.

He added that Tafo recorded one of the highest spikes in blood pressure cases, calling it “a public health red flag that needs immediate attention.”

BREAST CANCER CONCERNS

Women’s health screening revealed further concerns, with 2,344 women examined for breast cancer, 117 mammograms conducted and 2,211 women receiving treatment. Several early-stage abnormalities were detected and referred for timely care.

FREE CARE, ZERO BARRIERS

The outreach, funded by Interior Minister and Asawase MP Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, also completed 13,019 NHIS renewals, removing the financial barriers that often prevent families from seeking care.

In total, medical teams conducted 1,857 additional consultations and treatments for various conditions.

Thirty-six medical professionals worked for 35 days without a break, earning praise from community leaders for their dedication. Volunteers were later awarded certificates during a brief event at the Interior Minister’s residence.

Alhaji Muntaka encouraged them to stay committed to community service.

“Your work is saving lives. Keep pushing, keep serving, and keep reaching those who cannot afford basic healthcare,” he said.

He added that Almighty Allah rewards such service “specially and miraculously.”

This year’s outreach far exceeded the 2024 exercise, which covered only Asawase and recorded fewer cases. Health officials say the 2025 findings offer a clearer picture of widespread, undiagnosed disease across the region—and a warning that many communities are living with silent but deadly conditions.

Community leaders describe the outreach as “the largest and most impactful free medical programme seen in 20 years.”