The Gelephu Central Regional Referral Hospital has started receiving an increasing number of patients suffering from stroke. The hospital has recorded 45 cases since October last year till date. Doctors say people are not aware of the disease and visit the hospital late. To further create awareness on the prevention of stroke and living a healthy lifestyle, the World Stroke Day was celebrated at the regional referral hospital, yesterday.
According to doctors from the hospital, most people who are suffering from stroke do not visit the hospital immediately. Doctors say delays in treatment might lead to death or disability.
The patients were aged between 36 and 90 years and doctors say most of the patients are elderly people.
“People living in rural communities do not understand the stroke disease. People with symptoms of stroke perform rituals first. So, this is delaying the treatment. As soon as you show symptoms, you have to visit the hospital. In Gelephu, we have a CT machine. The stroke attacks the brain and the medication can be provided accordingly,” said Dr Nar Badhur Rai, a physician at Gelephu Central Regional Referral Hospital.
The doctor added that the disease is caused due to unhealthy lifestyles like smoking, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diet.
However, it can be prevented by exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet.
The symptoms of the disease include dizziness, frequent headaches, unable to move arms and legs, and sudden difficulty in speaking or understanding.
The celebration of World Stroke Day was supported by the Health Ministry in collaboration with the Bhutan Stroke Foundation, the National Referral Hospital, and the Khesar Gyalpo University Medical Sciences of Bhutan.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Tshering Zam
