News
Don’t associate limb deformities to spiritual, supernatural causes…Doctor cautions
Dr. Ofori -Atta, (first from right), Dr. Sanya Adedapo(2nd from left) and the team of Doctors seated.
Dr Paul Ofori-Atta, President of MoTEC LIFE-UK, has cautioned parents and the public against misconceptions that children with limb deformities are as a result of evil forces.
He said it was important that parents of such children seek prompt medical attention for the affected children to live normal lives when they grow.
Speaking during a visit by a team of UK-based orthopaedic experts to the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Koforidua, Dr Ofori-Atta emphasised the importance of distinguishing medical conditions from spiritual or supernatural causes.
The team will conduct surgical procedures on over 100 children with limb deformities from various regions in the country.
He said that if such deformities were left uncorrected, they could lead to major problems and struggles in adulthood, affecting employment opportunities.
He further explained that limb deformities typically resulted from birth defects or injuries, and could be corrected through surgical intervention.
Dr Ofori-Atta, who is also the Nkosuohene of Nankese-Abisim, encouraged parents and the public to overcome stigma surrounding limb deformities and seek early medical attention.
The leader of the medical team, Dr Sanyan Adedapo, an orthopaedic surgeon from England, stated that their mission in Ghana was to rectify limb deformities and bring smiles to children’s faces.
He noted that some cases were complex and, without surgery, patients may never walk.
Dr Adedapo revealed that approximately 95 per cent of patients received full sponsorship from Dr Ofori-Atta and MoTEC LIFE-UK, while five per cent were supported by affluent parents.
A beneficiary, Amedeku Blessing Yayera, from the Volta Region, expressed gratitude to the medical team and Dr Ofori-Atta for funding her treatment.
She was born without the deformity but developed it as she grew.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie