A pastor has described as inappropriate, the practice where some Christians resort solely to prayers for their health needs instead seeking medical attention from a hospital.

Very Rev. Charles Aaron Ekuban, who is the superintendent Minister at the Bantama Ebenezer Society of Methodist Church Ghana, said prayer must be supported with appropriate actions because God in his own wisdom has given people knowledge to execute professional tasks outside prayer.

“There are many people who think that prayer solves every problem. Whilst not underestimating the power of prayer, we are saying that prayer supports what is being done physically. We are asking every Christian to learn how to visit the hospital when in need of medical attention,” he argued.

Rev. Ekuban was speaking to his congregation during a free medical screening exercise organised for the church members as part of activities to mark the Church’s Lay Movement Week.

Hundreds of the church members were screened for diabetes, hepatitis, prostate cancer, and breast cancer among other diseases. The move is to help in early detection and treatment.

They were also given health education from the health officials.

Rev. Ekuban urged the public to seek medical attention when the need arises, and not aggravate their situation by depending solely on prayers for their healing.

A former consultant Physician at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Dr Kofi Agyenim Boateng underscored the need for everyone to do regular medical check-up because “there are certain diseases that hide in the body for a long period and only comes out at the damaging stage”.

He also advised Ghanaians to change their attitude of only visiting the hospital when they are sick because early detection of diseases makes treatment easier.

The chairman of the Lay Movement Council, Mrs Victoria Daakyi-Annan said the free medical exercise is to help unravel any hidden disease in their members and improve on their health.

She advised the public to take time off their busy schedule and attend to their health needs.

Ibrahim Abubakar|3news.com|Ghana