Improving public awareness and control of risk factors vital:

Lankan stroke victims among the highest in the world - Health Ministry

by Carol Aloysius

The number of stroke victims in Sri Lanka is among the highest in the world and is likely to reach frightful levels in the future, President, National Stroke Association of Sri Lanka (NSASL) Dr. Udaya Ranawaka said.

Dr. Ranawaka told the media on World Stroke Day, (October 29) that two recent studies had revealed that one percent of the population had suffered a stroke. “Improving public awareness on stroke, early recognition of symptoms and control of risk factors are vital to minimise the number, he said.

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena launched the Global Stroke Bill of Rights recognising the rights of stroke victims for speedy recovery and rehabilitation on the occasion.

He said that the number of strokes, the second leading cause for mortality in Sri Lanka, could be minimised by drastically reducing the excess use of salt and sugar in food and quitting smoking, which are the main causes of non communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems and stroke.

Director General Health Services Dr. Palitha Mahipala said that although the number of stroke victims is now around 210,000, due to the rapidly ageing population the number could be much higher in the future.

The Health Ministry has launched a program to raise awareness on stroke detection and train health professionals in the speedy treatment and rehabilitation of stroke victims, he said.

Immediate Past President NSASL, Dr. Padma Guneratne said there were seven fully equipped stroke units islandwide providing all essential services for stroke victims free.

“However, we need many more as the number of patients is rising daily,” he said.