A uterine fibroid survivor has appealed to the government to enroll uterine fibroid onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) treatment list, to save the lives of women and girls, since the high cost of treatment is causing patient to die in silence.
A treatment cost minimum GH¢4,000 at public health facilities and GH¢8,000 or more for private treatment.
Uterine fibroid is an abnormal growth of muscle tissue that form in or on the walls of the uterus (womb) of women and girls in their reproductive age.
The disease causes complications and infertility by preventing a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb or blocking the fallopian tubes, thereby preventing pregnancy in women or cause miscarriage and maternal mortality.
Making the appeal during the launch of her book titled: “Defeat Fibroid and be Free” at the weekend in Accra, Madam Fanny Palmer said treatment of the disease involved the use of an instrument with ultrasound waves and radiofrequency energy, that is passed through the vagina and cervix into the uterus to locate the tumors while the radiofrequency energy is used to shrink the fibroid.
“These are the ordeal that Ghanaian women have to go through to be treated at such a huge cost which most uterine fibroid suffers cannot afford, hence the need for government to come to the aid of the Ghanaian woman,” she said.
She touted Ghana for making tremendous strides in the area of health for its citizenry, and therefore it was incumbent for the country to lead and win the fight against uterine fibroids to save “our lives and pro-creation from jeopardy.”
The 10-chapter book chronicles the life story of Madam Palmer, who is also the Proprietress of Supper Kids Academy, of her struggles and living experiences with fibroids for many years.
The book according to her is a patient’s guide that provides answers to all of the unseen and unspoken questions related to fibroid, the signs, symptoms and alternative treatments and management of the ailment.
Madam Palmer encouraged women suffering from the disease not to see it as a death sentence, but endeavour to seek medical attention for this treatable disease.
She promised to launch a Fibroid Awareness Movement dubbed: “Let’s Talk About Fibroid,” which aims to galvanise support and promote awareness about the fibroid epidemic and menstrual hygiene through education, research and advocacy in order to empower those with fibroids to be fearless and seek medical attention as early as possible.
Madam Palmer expressed gratitude to the leadership of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) and its founder, Dr Mensa Otabil for the moral and spiritual support making the publication a reality.
BY CECILIA LAGBA YADA
