THE Department of Health on Tuesday launched a free medical assistance program for stroke patients in select government hospitals nationwide as part of the Brain Attack Awareness Week.
According to the Philippine Health Statistics, six out of 10,000 die of stroke or cerebrovascular diseases. It is also the top cause of disability among adults with 32 percent of survivors ending to be disabled.
The DoH, however, noted that only patients who have ischemic type of stroke or those with blood vessels in the brain will benefit from the program.
“It is very important that the attending doctor distinguish the type of stroke, whether ischemic or hemorrhagic, as alteplase will just worsen the stroke if given to those with the haemorrhagic type since this will just promote more bleeding in the brain,” said Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial.
Alteplase, or tissue plasminogen activator, is ideally given in the first three hours of acute stroke.
This move by the Health Department is partnered with the Stroke Society of the Philippines that helps hospitals in establishing acute stroke units.
To date, there are 26 government hospitals across the country equipped with stroke units.
“Acute stroke units will ensure to improve chance of survival of stroke patients, reduce disability, shorten hospital stay and shorten length of rehabilitation.” said Dr. Epifania Collantes, president of SSP.
Meanwhile, Ubial said they are still looking at partnering with private hospitals to widen the program’s reach, but noted that it should still give the alteplase for free to eligible patients.
“Alteplase is truly a life-saving drug and every stroke patient eligible to receive it should have access to it,” she said.
“It is not acceptable that a patient who cannot shelve out P80,000 will be deprived of this emergency medicine at a time when this is needed the most,” she added.
The DoH procured the medicine in bulk for only P30,000 per vial, P50,000 less than those bought in pharmacies.
Despite the free medication, the Health Department reminded the public that strokes can be prevented by choice.
“The best way to prevent stroke is to engage in healthy lifestyle. Do not smoke. Do not drink alcohol excessively. Engage in regular aerobic activity. Hypertensive and diabetic patients should take their medications regularly. Maintain your ideal body weight,” Ubial said.
“Together, let us start our journey today in all for health towards health for all,” she said.
