Neurologist urges increased awareness as Parkinson’s cases rise

… calls for action on medication access

By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi

Neurologist and Senior Physician Specialist at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. Vida Obese, has emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, noting that approximately 12% of cases seen in neurology clinics nationwide are diagnosed as Parkinson’s disease.

According to the Parkinson’s Disease ranking in 2020, the country was placed 70th globally. Dr. Obese, who is also the President for Anidaso Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, highlighted the importance of increasing awareness to facilitate early detection, treatment, and the eradication of stigmatization. She spoke at an event in Kumasi to mark this year’s World Parkinson’s Day, where she clarified the distinction between Parkinson’s disease and stroke, dispelling misconceptions about its spiritual origins often propagated within communities.

“From the data we have from our neurology clinics, Parkinson’s disease forms 12 percent of cases. We see stroke, epilepsy, including Parkinson’s disease. This is so because we do not have yet a prevalent study which goes into the communities and that is why we are raising awareness so that more people from the communities can report so that we can have a better picture,” Dr. Obese said.

Explaining further, she said: “Most people have it. When we go into the communities, we see them but we are not picking them out because they do not know that it is even something that they should be worried about. People misdiagnose them as stroke because it starts on one side of the body and because of that we don’t have patients reporting early but now we believe that now that we are doing more community work, we will be able to generate better data by a year or two”.

Meanwhile, Pharmacist at KATH, Dr. Ishaak Yussif, also speaking at the event, raised concerns about the limited availability of medications for Parkinson’s disease on the country’s essential medicine list. With only two drugs listed and lacking insurance coverage, he emphasized the financial strain on patients, typically aged 60 and above.

Dr. Yussif urged the Ministry of Health and National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to promptly address this issue to alleviate the burden on affected individuals.

“Only two medicines for Parkinson’s disease are found on the essential medicine list. Insurance doesn’t cover the medication. This is awful and will create financial burden on patients, who are usually 60 years and above. I plead with the Ministry of Health and National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to address this as soon as possible,” he said.

World Parkinson’s Day, observed annually on April 11th, aims to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease.  This year’s celebration was themed: “Unshakable Spirit”.

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