Author: Chance Iradukunda

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has made a significant step in fulfilling its commitment to timely reimbursements by disbursing GH¢800 million to healthcare providers. This payment settles claims received for June and July 2024, bringing the NHIA into compliance with the three-month reimbursement timeline agreed upon with providers. Public health institutions received the largest share of the payments, totaling GH¢223.9 million, or 56.03% of the total sum. Private healthcare facilities were also allocated GH¢106.5 million, while additional funds were provided to quasi-public and mission healthcare centers. These payments ensure the continued delivery of quality healthcare services under the National…

Drinking enough water is essential for our bodies, but overhydration can be harmful. Water poisoning, also known as hyponatremia, occurs when the body takes in more water than it can process, causing an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water poisoning, or hyponatremia, occurs when excessive water consumption dilutes sodium levels in the blood, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. Disadvantages of Excessive Water Consumption1. Water Poisoning (Hyponatremia): Drinking too much water can lead to a dilution of sodium levels in the blood, causing swelling of brain and potentially life-threatening complications.2. Overload on Kidneys: Excessive water consumption can put a strain…

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that connects to the vagina. It is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer if detected earlyCervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus. Risk factors include early sexual activity, multiple partners, weakened immune systems, and smoking. Regular screening, vaccination, safe sex, limiting sexual partners, and quitting smoking can help detect…

Dr. Robert Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, has officially inaugurated the members of the National Committee for the Control and Ethics of the Donation, Removal, Transplantation, and Grafting of Human Organs, Tissues, and Cells (CNCE/DPTG). The ceremony took place on Friday, July 26, 2024, at the Ministry of Health in Ouagadougou. During the event, Dr. Kargougou emphasized that establishing the CNCE/DPTG aligns with the decree for implementing the transplantation of human organs, tissues, and cells in Burkina Faso. “As part of the process of implementing human organ, tissue, and cell transplantation in Burkina Faso,…

The public has been encouraged to wear protective gear and avoid mosquito bites in order to prevent dengue disease by the Western Regional Director of Veterinary Services. According to Dr. Simon Gbene, the illness is real, widespread in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and primarily transmitted to humans by female Aedes aegypti mosquito bites. He clarified that although the symptoms of dengue fever and malaria, which are brought on by parasites, were similar, dengue fever is actually caused by a virus. He informed the audience that the dengue virus has four serotypes and that three of them—DEN-1, DENV-2,…

Promasidor Ghana (PGH) has provided GH¢489,900 to the National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC) to support ten patients in need of life-saving surgery. Additionally, Promasidor Ghana contributed vital medical supplies to the Kaneshie Polyclinic in Accra. In accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims for Good Health and Well-Being, the medical equipment donated to Kaneshie Polyclinic includes 50 oxygen masks, two patient trolleys, two myomectomy instruments, two caesarean section instruments, a patient monitor, suction machine and tube, bulb syringe, and diathermy pencils. Promasidor has donated equipment to the National Cardiothoracic Centre, as part of its 25th anniversary commitment to assist Ghanaians.…

Prof. Richmond Nii Okai Aryeetey, Head of the Department of Population, Family, andReproductive Health at the University of Ghana (UG), has advocated for theestablishment of breast milk banks in all medical facilities to reduce thereliance on commercial infant formula. He emphasized that no other food source could match the bioactive matrix ofbenefits provided by human milk. “A milk bank is the safest alternative toa mother’s own milk, having the ability to enhance infant nutrition and reducechildhood morbidity and mortality,” he stated.Prof. Aryeetey delivered his first lecture at the University of Ghana last Thursday.The subject of his speech was “Child Feeding…

Urbanization, lifestyle changes, and processed foods are leading to unhealthy sugar consumption in Ghana and Africa, causing health hazards like obesity, diabetes, dental issues, cardiovascular disease, mood, and metabolic disorders. Raw sugar is not interchangeable with refined sugar. Turbindo sugar, also known as raw sugar, is refined to maintain its natural molasses, flavors, and color. In 2022, Ghana imported $159m of raw sugar, becoming the 55th largest importer globally. The consumption of raw sugar is expected to reach 142,000 metric tons by 2026, with a 0.1% year-on-year growth rate since 2021 Sugar, in the form of glucose -artificial sweeteners, sucrose,…

The European Union (EU) has announced a €32 million investment in Ghana’s healthcare sector through the Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+) initiative. This funding aims to bolster Ghana’s pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing capabilities. Deputy Director General of the European Commission, Myriam Ferran, highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development goals. She emphasized that the investment will not only strengthen Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure but also contribute to economic growth. Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, Presidential Advisor on Health, expressed gratitude for the EU’s partnership in making Ghana a regional vaccine manufacturing hub. He noted the…

On July 12, 2024, the Telecel Ghana Foundation offered free screenings for 199 women at Tesebo No. 2 and Nsuta in the Bosome Freho District of the Ashanti Region using their rural ultrasound scan. As part of the Foundation’s Connected Health programs, this initiative aims to provide mothers a better chance at having successful pregnancies and births by detecting gynecological challenges early on. The Foundation’s community and health outreach programs are anchored by this endeavor. “In our opinion, a mother shouldn’t pass away while giving birth. The Head of Foundation, Sustainability, and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson,…