The Physiotherapy Department of the 37 Military Hospital has marked its maiden World Physiotherapy Day on Tuesday 8 September 2026 at 1000hrs at the 37 Methodist Presbyterian Church, under the theme: “Cardiovascular disease and stroke”. The Commander, 37 Military Hospital, Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Richard Mensah graced the event as the guest of honour.
In the welcome address presented on behalf of the Acting Officer-in-charge of the Physiotherapy Department, Mr James Kally, it was said that the World Physiotherapy Day recognises physiotherapists’ contribution to health, function and well-being. The address further touched on the importance of theme: “Cardiovascular disease and stroke”, describing it is as timely as these conditions remain major causes of illness, disability and loss of independence.
The address also highlighted the purpose of today’s event as not only a celebration of the profession, but also to deepen public understanding and encourage action. In his remarks as the guest of honour, Brig Gen Richard Mensah commended the leadership and staff of the Physiotherapy Department for putting the programme together successfully.
He said that the World Physiotherapy Day and its theme was relevant because the Department had recorded 436 cases of Stroke in 2025, making Stroke the third most prevalent outpatient diagnosis. Brig Gen Mensah further urged all participants to take keen interest in the lectures that would be presented, to reflect honestly on personal health habits and identify practical lifestyle changes that could be sustained.
At the institutional level, he encouraged personnel to strengthen prevention, assessment and multidisciplinary referral, while supporting staff with equipment and systems required for effective rehabilitation of patients. Commander additionally said in his remarks that even within constraints, blood pressure checks, exercise counselling and early recognition of warning signs could make a difference.
Brig Gen Mensah concluded his remarks on a congratulatory note and expressed hope that the commemoration of the World Physiotherapy Day would strengthen teamwork among heathcare professionals, renew commitment to our personal and institutional health and mark the beginning of sustained action before the Stroke and after the Stroke.
As part of activities to mark the World Physiotherapy Day, Chief Physiotherapist Critical Care Rehab, Pastor Christopher Afu presented a lecture. In line with the theme of the celebration, his lecture touched on the role physical therapy plays in the management of cardiovascular diseases. Pastor Afu stated that the rate of cardiovascular disease is increasing among the general population worldwide. He added that cardiovascular diseases; particularly heart attack, heart failure and stroke are the leading causes of death worldwide.
Pastor Afu also said during his lecture that our individual lifestyles play a key role in our cardiovascular health. The lack of physical activity, sedentary lifestyle and nutrition is resulting in the increased rate of high blood pressure, obesity, stroke and other underlying conditions within the elderly, middle-aged and young population across the world.
Speaking on stroke, Pastor Afu’s presentation gave key take aways. The presentation highlighted survival as the beginning. Once the individual survives a stroke, medication to control the blood pressure, weight management and physiotherapy or rehabilitation become essential to ensure that survival. Pastor Afu’s lecture concluded with a physical activity advocating daily physical activity and movement for the betterment of our lives.
Present at the event was Commanding Officer 37 Military Hospital, Colonel (Col) Alex Abiti; Chief Nursing Officer, Col Vivian Adjah; Chief Nursing Officer Administration, Col Josephine Kumordjie; Chief Nursing Officer Clinical, Naval Captain Gloria Ocansey; Director Allied Health at the Ghana Armed Forces Medical Health Services, Col Cynthia Boateng, Nursing Officer-in- charge Surgical, Col Adiasani; Acting Head of Department Medical, Dr Augustina Charley-Felli as well as representatives from the Sponsors of the event.
