A Diagnostic CT
THE SWEDEN Ghana Medical Centre (SGMC) was opened Wednesday at Ajiriganor near East Legon in Accra where Vice President John Dramani Mahama identified the two main cancer killers as breast and prostate cancer.
He also said though many viewed cancer as a life sentence, it has existed since time immemorial.
Some services the centre will offer include radiotherapy and chemotherapy as well as cancer prevention and patient education programs.
The center plans to make these treatments available so patients can reduce the number of trips they have to make outside the country in search of similar treatments.
In his welcome address, Dr. Henry Broni-Amponsah, Board Chairman of SGMC noted that cancer affects many people at some stage in their lives and said the key to reducing its prevalence is early detection.
He also highlighted some factors that caused people to shy away from cancer treatment facilities as lack of funding and outdated traditional beliefs.
Other stakeholders present were nurses, oncologists, pharmacists, physicists and radiotherapists.
According to the center’s CEO, Thomas Pollare although the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre has gone through a series of challenges, through firm commitment by the people who matter, they are able to recount success stories today.
The center is the first of its kind in the West African sub-region. Â There is a similar facility in South Africa.
It was mainly funded by Global Media Investments (GMI) which is owned by Swedfund and Elekta as well as some Ghanaian investors.
Other notable dignitaries present were the former President John Agyekum Kufuor who was the guest speaker, the wife of the Asantehene, Lady Julia Osei-Tutu, Minister of Health, Alban Bagbin and members of the diplomatic corps.
The MC for the event was seasoned journalist Kwame Sefa Kayi of Peace Fm.
 By Amma Serwaa Asamoah
