In a move to promote women’s health, the Volta River Authority (VRA) Hospital in Akosombo has reduced the cost of mammograms from GH¢250 to GH¢150 throughout the month of October. This reduction comes in to mark the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the hospital aiming to make this life-saving screening more accessible and affordable to women across the region. Dr. Charles Arhinful, speaking with High Street Journal, emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader effort to ease the financial burden for women as they prioritize their health and engage in preventive care.
Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge in Ghana, with approximately 4,500 new cases diagnosed annually. Sadly, about 70% of these cases are detected at advanced stages, making early detection critical to reducing the disease’s morbidity and mortality rates. Akosombo Hospital’s slashed mammogram fees aim to encourage more women to undergo screenings, particularly those who have delayed testing due to high costs. “We hope the price reduction will push more women to prioritize their health and seek timely screenings,” said Dr. Arhinful.
In addition to offering affordable mammograms, the hospital has launched an intensive public awareness campaign. Throughout October, a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk will take place, traversing Kpong, Agormanya, and Somanya. The hospital will also host educational talks at churches, market centers, and to corporate bodies like teachers’ associations, underscoring the importance of early detection. The campaign aims to reach women across Akosombo and surrounding communities with life-saving information.
As part of the hospital’s commitment to expanding healthcare access, every Wednesday has been designated as a free walk-in day for clinical breast examinations. Women can come in for these exams without needing a hospital or National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card. The initiative is designed to break down barriers and ensure that even underserved women have access to critical breast health services.
Akosombo Hospital’s Radiology Unit has also upgraded its equipment, now utilizing a state-of-the-art mammogram machine to deliver high-quality screenings. Dr. Arhinful noted that the reduced price, combined with the advanced technology, will likely draw women from surrounding areas who previously found mammograms unaffordable. Women are encouraged to book appointments early, as demand is expected to surge.
In addition to mammograms, the hospital has reduced the cost of breast ultrasound scans, recommended for women under 40, from GH¢ 170 to GH¢100. By lowering the cost of these essential screenings, the hospital is reinforcing its dedication to making healthcare equitable for all women, with the hope that these efforts will inspire similar initiatives across the country.
