More than 400,000 suffer from strokes in Pakistan annually Read in Urdu
“More than 400,000 people suffer from a stroke every year in Pakistan. A third of the victims do not survive and about half become dependent on others,” Dr Muhammad Wasay, Consultant Neurologist, Aga Khan University (AKU) informed the audience at AKU's awareness programme.
Stroke is the leading cause of disability and second leading cause of death around the world. “It is unfortunate though that most people in Pakistan are not aware that strokes can be prevented and treated,” said Dr Wasay. More than half of all strokes can be checked by controlling high blood pressure. In addition, about 80 to 90 per cent can be checked by monitoring cholesterol and sugar levels, stopping smoking and exercising regularly – the cost of prevention is lower than the cost of recovery.
Stroke units in hospitals have revolutionised stroke treatment, so patients should be transferred to a hospital as soon as possible, in less than three hours if possible. The longer a stroke patient waits to report to a hospital, the more damage a stroke can do and the more difficult the rehabilitation. Public awareness and motivation can lead to ultimately reducing stroke rates and improving recovery.
Dr Gohar Javed, Consultant Neurologist, AKU, shared his expertise on the neural infirmity of lower back pain. Lower back pain is a common problem, yet it is difficult to pinpoint its exact cause in many patients even after several tests and procedures. Fortunately, most cases of back pain do not last more than a few weeks, but it is advisable to consult a physician if the pain persists longer.
The Neurology Section at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) offers various services for stroke as well as lower back pain patients. The Section has the largest certified faculty of neurologists in Pakistan.
As part of its outreach programme and societal commitment of creating awareness of early diagnosis and timely treatment, AKUH organises such programmes. The Hospital has organised over 300 ‘Signs, Symptoms and Care' programmes in Karachi, Hyderabad, Quetta and the UAE, benefiting more than 50,000 people. Similarly, AKUH's Patient Welfare Programme reaches out by providing assistance to those patients who are unable to afford the medical cost of their treatment. Seventy three per cent of all patients treated at AKUH are from low- to middle-income areas. Since the inception of this welfare programme in 1986, PKR 2 billion has been disbursed to more than 300,000 needy patients.
For further information, please contact:
Department of Public Affairs
Aga Khan University
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi 74000.
Fax: 493-4294, 493-2095 www.aku.edu
Read in Urdu
|
