ISLAMABAD: Experts emphasized the need to raise awareness about stroke risks and prevention in a seminar held at Shifa International Hospital in relevance to World Stroke Day.

While addressing the occasion chief guest Sadaqat Ali Abbasi, Member National Assembly of Pakistan said that, he would promote stroke awareness at the mass level by all possible means that include legislation and public service messages as well. He further added that, awareness messages should be short and simple to make them understandable to a layman.

Prof Dr Maimoona Siddiqui, HOD & Consultant Neurologist at Shifa International Hospital (SIH) and Vice President of Pakistan Society of Neurology (PSN) said that, stroke is a brain attack that happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. We know that 80% of strokes could be prevented by addressing a small number of risk factors; including hypertension, diet, smoking, lack of exercise and environmental. She also said that, stroke survivors can face significant impairment of movement, speech, cognition alongside debilitating psychological, social and financial problems. Dr Husnain Hashim, HOD & Consultant Neurologist at Fauji Foundation Hospital (FFH) and Vice President of Pakistan Stroke Society (PSS) emphasized on opening up more stroke units and more trained staff should be available in country, both public and private sectors. He also highlighted the role of Pakistan Society of Neurology and Pakistan Stroke Society, in providing stroke care across the country.

Dr Raja Farhat Shoaib, Consultant stroke specialist at SIH said that, 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke each year and 5.8 million people die from it. In Pakistan, the annual mortality rate per 100,000 people from stroke has increased by 40.9% since 1990, an average of 1.8% a year. 350,000 Pakistanis suffer from strokes every year.

Dr Farhat added that this year’s theme on stroke day is “Join the Movement” and as part of it we are trying to create movement awareness among the general population. We have decided to add our young generation to this campaign, so we are launching a storybook for children titled “Act Fast/ How Gulabjan Survived Brain Stroke” authored by Mahpara Farhat Raja and Dr Raja Farhat Shoaib. Dr Zeeshan Bin Ishtiaque, Medical Director Shifa International Hospital expressed his gratitude to the chief guest and audience for their participation and presented souvenirs among the distinguished guests.—PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020