Tarkwa: Dr. Baaba Damoah, President of the Society of Family Physicians of Ghana (SOFPOG), has cautioned the youth in Tarkwa and its environs not to abuse pain killers, as these drugs can cause kidney damage.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Damoah highlighted that the type of work and the prevalence of illegal mining operations in these areas have led to the abuse of Tramadol and hard analgesics by young people. She made these remarks while addressing journalists at the Tarkwa main lorry station during a free medical outreach organized by AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine in partnership with SOFPOG for the residents of Tarkwa in the Western Region.
Dr. Damoah elaborated on the dangers of these drugs, emphasizing that beyond kidney damage, they could have a broader negative impact on the body. During the outreach, residents received essential health services, including blood sugar and pressure checks, malaria testing, hepatitis B and C screenings, HIV testing, as well as dental, eye, and ENT consultations.
The President noted that despite the rain, there was a significant turnout, and the medical team aimed to attend to 1,000 people by the end of the program. During the screenings, patients with both acute and chronic illnesses were identified, while others without health issues were educated on preventive health.
The exercise was part of the events for this year's World Family Doctor Day, coinciding with their Annual General and Scientific Meeting in Tarkwa. Dr. Damoah expressed gratitude to AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine for their support, which made the free service available to the community.
SOFPOG has been in Ghana for almost 20 years, consisting of individuals who have completed medical school, served as doctors, and returned for specialist training to care for people of all ages and diseases.