The Rotary Club of Obuasi has collaborated with Doctors &Engineers Without Borders, Brown University Club to initiate a medical outreach project for inmates of the Obuasi Local Prisons.
They also provided medications to the inmates and a table-top refrigerator to store the medications at an high temperature.The primary objective of the project is to carry out medical screenings for the inmates, raise awareness on prison hygiene, and supply the infirmary with medications in accordance with Rotary International’s focus area: Disease Prevention and Treatment, as well as sanitation.
The initiative brought together medical professionals and other healthcare providers who conducted screenings for over 300 inmates and staff of the Obuasi local prisons.The inmates underwent screenings for hypertension, tuberculosis, diabetes, malaria, hepatitis B, and various other medical conditions.Physicians were available to offer consultations and dispense medications for common ailments, with provisions made for those requiring long-term treatment.
The President-elect of the Rotary Club of Obuasi, Delphine Gborgblovor, expressed during her interaction with the media that the initiative was essential as the club identified prison health as an area necessitating support due to the substandard living conditions in the prisons.The inmates were vulnerable to contracting and spreading different illnesses in the absence of necessary support and resources.
She underscored the importance of prioritizing the healthcare needs of prisoners in correctional facilities, as they are being prepared for reintegration into society.
“We must acknowledge that these prisoners are not pariahs, but will eventually reenter society, hence health screenings like these are crucial to ensure they are in optimal health upon release,”she emphasized.
Miss Gborgblovor also reassured the prison of the Club’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the living conditions of inmates, as the 3-year partnership initiated in 2023 is set to be extended in the next 2 years with backing from Doctors and Engineers Without Borders, Brown University.
In addition to addressing the water and sanitation requirements of the inmates, a new mechanized borehole has been installed to guarantee a continuous supply of clean water for drinking and household use.
The President-elect of the Rotary Club of Obuasi briefed the media on the upcoming programs for the year.
She mentioned that the club will persist in spreading hope to the world through the ‘Magic of Rotary’ initiative, with some activities focused on promoting peace in anticipation of the 2024 elections.
She said the club will continue to create hope to the world by implement the ‘Magic of Rotary’ initiative where some of the activities will be based on promoting peace ahead of the 2024 elections.
As part of the Club’s commitment to Basic Education and Literacy, two STEM initiatives in Obuasi and Akrofuom aimed at promoting the study of STEM subjects are nearing completion and are expected to be finalized within the upcoming month.
Representing the Ghana Prisons Service and its inmates, CSP Esther Ako-Nunoo, the Officer-in-charge of the Obuasi Local Prisons, conveyed her gratitude to Doctors and Engineers Without Borders, the Brown University Club, as well as the Rotary/Rotaract Clubs of Obuasi and the Ghana Health Service for their invaluable support.
She emphasized the need for further assistance in enhancing the conditions within the prisons and urged the officers to uphold their ethical responsibilities in backing the prisons service.
