Rev. Alexander Agyei Boamah of Redeemed Light Chapel International has advised that while faith is essential, seeking medical care is equally crucial for overall wellness. 

Speaking at a recent free community health screening event organized by the Stone of Help Women Empowerment Foundation in partnership with Mary Lucy Hospital on October 26, 2024, at Awoshie Patase, Rev. Boamah, who also serves as the foundation's patron, emphasised the importance of combining faith and medical intervention, particularly in fighting diseases like breast cancer.

"Breast cancer is real and spreading," he noted, urging individuals not to rely solely on spiritual practices for healing. 

"The Bible says that your faith has made you well, but breast cancer isn’t something we can pray away alone. Seeking medical care is essential." 

Rev. Boamah encouraged religious leaders to support congregants by promoting regular health screenings and other medical services instead of waiting for designated awareness months.

This year’s event offered free health screenings alongside National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registrations to assist community members who may lack medical insurance. 

“Last year, we only provided NHIS registrations, and the turnout was overwhelming.

So, this year, we decided to add health screenings,” he explained. 

Recognizing that many patients face financial barriers to medical care, the foundation collaborated with NHIS to make the registration process accessible for those in need.

Rev. Priscilla Boamah, CEO of the foundation, emphasised the importance of regular health checks and not waiting during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

"This month, we’re screening for breast cancer and offering NHIS registrations to promote general well-being,” she shared, adding that the foundation plans to make this an annual initiative.

Ms Anita, a beneficiary of the programme, expressed gratitude for the comprehensive health services provided. 

"They checked our blood pressure, breast health, and other vital statistics.

I also registered for health insurance," she said, adding that the screening reinforced the importance of regular health checks.

Another attendee discovered an undiagnosed eye problem during the event.

“I wasn’t aware of my eye issues until I was screened here.

They even provided treatment for my young child, who also had an eye problem,” she said.

Vadis Mensah of Mary Lucy Hospital highlighted the financial struggles some face in accessing healthcare, especially for eye care, and urged the government to consider reducing healthcare costs. 

“Many people sit at home with treatable issues because they can’t afford care.

Lowering costs, particularly for eye treatments, would benefit countless individuals,” she commended.