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As the world marks World Glaucoma Day 2025, Dr. Akosua Adu-Ayaa, CEO of Power Specialist Herbal Hospital, has urged Ghanaians to prioritize their eye health by seeking early medical care and avoiding self-medication. She also called on the government to extend the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to cover herbal medicine, making alternative healthcare more accessible to the public.
Speaking to media in an interview at Aputuogya, Bosomtwe District, Dr. Adu-Ayaa stressed that glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in Ghana, yet many people fail to seek proper medical attention until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage.
“Glaucoma is a silent disease that damages the eyes over time. Many people ignore early warning signs or rely on self-medication, which only worsens their condition. By the time they seek professional help, the damage is often irreversible,” she warned.
The Dangers of Self-Medication
Dr. Adu-Ayaa expressed grave concern over the increasing practice of self-medication, where individuals buy unprescribed eye drops, foreign medications, or herbal mixtures from unverified sources, hoping for a quick cure.
“Your eyesight is precious, and once lost, it cannot be restored. Many people make the mistake of using roadside drugs or home remedies without medical guidance. Instead of curing the problem, they end up accelerating vision loss,” she cautioned.
She encouraged individuals to visit professional eye specialists, optometrists, or herbal doctors for proper diagnosis and treatment rather than depending on unreliable sources.
Call for NHIS Coverage of Herbal Medicine
Beyond glaucoma awareness, Dr. Adu-Ayaa called on the government to integrate herbal medicine into NHIS, ensuring that Ghanaians who prefer herbal treatments can receive affordable and accessible care.
“It is unfair that NHIS covers foreign pharmaceutical drugs but does not extend the same benefits to herbal medicine, which has treated people for generations. The government must act now to ensure herbal treatments are included in the health insurance system,” she stated.
She also appealed for tax reductions on herbal medicine, arguing that the high cost of production makes herbal treatments expensive for the average Ghanaian.
Impact of Galamsey and Chemical Farming on Herbal Medicine
Dr. Adu-Ayaa raised concerns about the destruction of medicinal plants due to illegal mining (galamsey) and excessive chemical use in agriculture. She noted that these harmful activities are threatening the availability of key herbal ingredients, making it difficult for herbal practitioners to provide effective treatments.
“The uncontrolled use of pesticides, weedicides, and chemicals is killing our medicinal plants. Many of the herbs we use for eye treatment and other diseases are disappearing because of environmental destruction,” she lamented.
She further called on small-scale miners to cover abandoned mining pits, noting that many herbalists searching for medicinal plants have suffered accidents by falling into these dangerous pits.
“I strongly appeal to miners to take responsibility for their actions. Leaving open pits behind is not only a danger to herbal practitioners but also to the entire community,” she stressed.
A Call to Action: Prioritize Eye Health and Support Herbal Medicine
Dr. Akosua Adu-Ayaa concluded by urging Ghanaians to take their eye health seriously, undergo regular check-ups, and avoid self-medication at all costs. She also called on the government to recognize and support herbal medicine by including it in NHIS and reducing taxes on herbal products.
“Your vision is priceless. Do not wait until it is too late before seeking help. Let us all work together to ensure that eye healthcare, whether herbal or conventional, is affordable and accessible to all,” she emphasized.
As World Glaucoma Day 2025 is observed globally, her message serves as a wake-up call for individuals, policymakers, and healthcare providers to take urgent action in preventing blindness, supporting herbal medicine, and improving healthcare accessibility in Ghana.
For more information contact Dr Akosua Adu-Ayaa CEO of Power specialist Herbal Hospital on
0248832911
