By Samuel Ofori Boateng, GNA
Manso-Nkwanta (Ash), Oct. 29, GNA – The Amansie West health directorate in the Ashanti region, has raised concerns about the increasing spate of mental health cases among young people in the district.
Dr Afua Amankwaah, Medical Superintendent of the Manso-Nkwanta government hospital, who made this known said the situation was linked to substance abuse, excessive alcohol consumption and activities associated with illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey in the area.
She has therefore, called on the Narcotics Control Commission to intensify public education and enforcement efforts to combat drug abuse, particularly among the youth in the area.
Speaking at a thanks-giving and appreciation day of the hospital at Manso-Nkwanta, Dr Amankwaah expressed concern that substance abuse was contributing to mental health challenges in the district and urged stakeholders to strengthen preventive measures to protect young people from the harmful effects of drugs and excessive alcohol consumption.
She highlighted the health risks associated with illegal mining activities, noting that, abandoned mining pits could serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and contribute to the spread of malaria.
She further warned that exposure to toxic heavy metals, including mercury and lead, associated with mining activities could pose serious health risks, including kidney damage and other illnesses.
Dr Amankwaah, encouraged residents in mining communities to undergo regular medical examinations to help detect health conditions early.
According to her, early detection of cancer improves the prospects of effective treatment, making regular hospital visits important for residents, particularly those living in areas affected by mining activities.
Dr Patrick Sasu-Anim, a Senior Doctor at the hospital, encouraged people, who had been advised to undergo surgery not to allow fear to prevent them from seeking the necessary medical care.
He explained that surgical procedures could save lives when undertaken at the appropriate time and urged patients to follow medical advice rather than delay treatment because of anxiety.
Some beneficiaries of the exercise expressed gratitude to the organisers for providing them with access to healthcare services, including screening, surgery and health insurance registration.
The exercise formed part of efforts to improve access to healthcare and encourage residents to prioritise preventive healthcare and early treatment.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade