The Oral Health Directorate of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) joined the global celebration of “World Oral Health Day” with the organisation of a special sensitisation and screening exercise for inmates at the Kumasi Central Prisons.
The team, led by Dr. Isaac Akotoye, provided free oral health education, demonstrations, and screenings to the inmates.
In an address, Dr Akotoye emphasised the importance of medical outreach especially to places where oral healthcare services were unavailable or inadequate.
“Improving oral health in such environments is crucial because good oral hygiene contributes significantly to overall well-being,” he said.
A Physician Assistant at the Oral Health Directorate of KATH, Irene Owusu, led the public lecture and practical demonstrations on proper brushing techniques, the dangers of poor oral hygiene, and preventive measures against common dental problems.
Speaking on behalf of the prison authorities, Spt. Stephen Kuma, Administrator of the Prisons Health Centre, applauded the KATH team for their gesture and appealed for more support from individuals and organisations.
“The prisons health centre lacks a dentist and several critical services and equipment. We therefore call on benevolent individuals and institutions to come to our aid in providing comprehensive healthcare for inmates.”
Corporal Emmanuel Boateng Agyenfra, a member of the Ashanti Regional Prisons Public Relations team, linked the donation and outreach to the Think 360 Degrees initiative launched by the Ghana Prisons Service last year.
“The initiative focuses on the holistic welfare of both staff and inmates, and activities such as this oral health programme align perfectly with its goals of improving living conditions and promoting rehabilitation within the prison system”, he noted.
The beneficial inmates expressed appreciation for the screening and described it as timely and beneficial.
The gesture by the Oral Health Directorate of KATH forms part of broader efforts to extend quality healthcare to underserved populations, including those in correctional facilities in line with the activities lined up to mark the 70th anniversary celebration of the hospital.
