Sekondi: The Western Naval Command has organised a health screening exercise for the people of Sekondi-Takoradi as part of activities to commemorate this year's Ghana Navy Memorial Day Anniversary.

According to Ghana News Agency, the exercise, held at Sekondi, was led by a medical team from the Western Naval Command Medical Reception Station (MRS), on the theme: 'Sacrifice, Service, and Sovereignty: Legacy of the Ghana Navy.' They provided services like general check-ups, breast and prostate screening, blood pressure checks, Body Mass Index (BMI) checks, and National Health Insurance Scheme membership renewals among others.

Naval Lieutenant Nana Addo Dankwa Obeng, the Western Naval Command Medical Station Officer, speaking to the Ghana News Agency during the event, said aside from screening the residents for health issues, the exercise was also meant to enhance the relationship between the military and civilians. "This year, the Ghana Navy Memorial Day Anniversary will be observed with a four-day line-up of programmes, and today happens to be the first day so we believe that doing this exercise means that we are bringing healthcare services to the doorsteps of the people," he added.

He stated that one of the major issues the team found during the screening was the poor health-seeking habits of some residents. Naval Lt. Obeng said, "Some of them have chronic diseases but they do not regularly visit facilities for care, those on medication do not also take their medicines as prescribed due to various reasons, and other issues."

He continued, "But we are giving them education, and providing them with some of the medicines that we have here so that we can manage some of the issues we have identified." He expressed satisfaction at the massive turnout of residents and encouraged them to live healthy lifestyles and take their healthcare needs seriously.

Some of the participants who spoke to the GNA expressed gratitude to the Western Naval Command for organising the exercise, and said the services provided to them would go a long way to improve their health and wellbeing. Madam Comfort Ansah, a beneficiary, said, "We are grateful to the soldiers for organising this exercise, and I think the education and the medicines they have given us will help us a lot."