More than 2,000 residents of Oduman and its environs in the Ga West District of the Greater Accra Region, yesterday, benefitted from a free health screening and medical care exercise organised by the Hands of Gold Foundation (HOGF)

The exercise which saw beneficiaries screened and treated for Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Malaria, Ulcer, Diabetes and High Cholesterol levels, formed part of activities to mark this year's commemoration of International Women's Day.

The beneficiaries were also offered free eye screening and treatment.

Residents who did not have a health insurance were registered onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and others had their health insurance renewed.

This year's IWD celebration is on the theme: "Embrace Equity".

Speaking to the media at the event, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of HOGF, Mr. Benjamin Opuni, said it was their modest contribution towards the empowerment of women.

He said the important role of women in society required that they must be in good health at all times and that was why the screening exercise was scheduled to coincide with the International Women's Day.

He expressed satisfaction with the turnout and pledged that the HOGF would continue to advocate for support for the interest of women.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist at the Oduman Polyclinic, Mr. Hakeem Umar Toniah said the screening exercise was one that afforded the residents the opportunity to have fore knowledge about their health status.

He explained that hypertension, diabetes and hepatitis seem to be prevalent in the area, stressing that, "So far, from the numbers we have screened, it looks as if those with hypertension are more, followed by diabetes and then hepatitis."

Mr  Toniah said it was important for people to check their lifestyle in order to reduce the incidence of hypertension and diabetes in the country.

On her part, the Finance Director of HOGF, Mrs. Akosua Adjei said the focus was more on women and children.

She said her outfit over the years has been supporting women and children both financially and materially.

In a related development, the foundation has made a donation to the labour ward of the Oduman Polyclinic.

The items included bed sheets, detergents, soaps, tissues, toilet rolls and pampers.