Mershack Bankam, a Physician Assistant at HealthWise Hospital in Tema, has urged the public to undergo regular health check-ups to shift from reactive, symptom-based care to proactive and preventive health management.

Mr Bankam said routine medical screenings were essential for detecting silent but serious conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers before they progressed to advanced stages.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he explained that many life-threatening diseases show no symptoms during their early and most treatable stages.

“Early detection allows doctors to assess risk factors and recommend appropriate lifestyle adjustments before complications set in,” he stated.

He noted that preventive health assessments also provided the opportunity for individuals to review their diet, increase physical activity, and adopt healthier lifestyles to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.

The physician assistant further explained that consistent medical reviews help create a documented health history, including blood pressure readings, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar measurements, which makes it easier for doctors to identify subtle but concerning changes over time.

He emphasised that early detection and management of diseases were generally less expensive than treating advanced conditions, which often required prolonged and costly interventions.

According to him, individuals with a family history of chronic illnesses or existing medical conditions should visit a healthcare provider at least once a year, or every six months depending on medical advice.

Mr Bankam stressed that medical check-ups were not only for those who were ill, stating that “A check-up is preventive maintenance for your body. It ensures a longer and healthier life.”

He encouraged the public to prioritise routine health assessments as part of responsible self-care and long-term wellbeing.