The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Rebecca Akufo-Addo has reiterated her commitment to providing a “one stop cancer centre in the country to make available and accessible cancer treatment services for Ghanaians particularly breast cancer victims.”
She added that, to complement that, efforts will be made to ensure breast cancer treatment is covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
“One clear need in our medical intervention is a one-stop cancer center in Ghana. I made a pledge to help drive the building of a one-stop cancer center in Ghana in my address at the UN General Assembly side meeting for African First Ladies in New York in September. I believe this will make a significant impact on cancer [treatment].
She added, “I however believe that comprehensive care of breast cancer under NHIS will make even more impactful. I am committed to this cause and I believe every Ghanaian woman deserves access to top quality cancer care in the country.”
She disclosed this Saturday when she addressed thousands of people gathered at the Koforidua Jackson park after a mammoth walk against Breast cancer as part of the breast Cancer month celebration on the theme: ‘Our Breast; Let’s Check Them.’
The First Lady commended Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, the Board and Management of Breast Care International (BCI) for sustaining the fight against breast cancer which is one of the leading cause of deaths in Sub-Suharan Africa.
She challenged BCI, to step up effort to increase the number of survivors from the present 800 to 2000 in the foreseeable future in a bid to boost public confidence as far as various treatment options of the disease are concerned.
The president of BCI, Beatrice Wiafe Addai, announced that the breast cancer examination will soon be done door to door as part of efforts to reduce the prevalence rate of the disease.
BCI, she said had trained about 120 nurses in Eastern and Ashanti Regions to undertake the door to door screening for early detection and treatment.
The First Lady was accompanied by other Ministers of State and government officials who took part in the walk which started at Koforidua Prisons Park to Jackson Park.
Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
