DOHA: Hamad General Hospital (HGH) everyday receives four or five new stroke cases and the average age of stroke patients in Qatar is far less than in Europe or the United States.
Against this backdrop, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has launched a campaign to raise public awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke and the correct action to take if they
suspect one.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and the number one cause of chronic disability in the world. Due to the high prevalence in Qatar’s population of many risk factors for stroke — including diabetes, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension and inactivity — the incidence of stroke is high.
HMC has made great progress in recent years to restructure stroke care and develop a specialist Stroke Ward at Hamad General Hospital (HGH) ensuring patients are given the safest, most effective and most compassionate care possible.
Yet, the public also has an important role to play, as Dr Naveed Akhtar, Director of the Stroke Ward, said: “Fast and specialised medical intervention is the key to successful treatment for stroke patients. Time is brain, meaning the faster treatment can be given following a stroke, the better the chances of recovery. To ensure we are able to treat stroke patients quickly, it is vital that the public know the signs and symptoms of stroke so they can identify the issue and immediately call 999 for help.”
The first phase of the campaign will run until Ramadan and features radio and television commercials, advertising in newspapers, print media and online, and campaign messaging in shopping malls.
Professor Ashfaq Shuaib, Director of HMC’s Neurosciences Institute, said: “Every day, we see four or five new stroke cases at HGH and the average age of stroke patients in Qatar is far less than you would see in Europe or America. It is absolutely essential that the public are familiar with the signs and symptoms of stroke so that if they suspect a stroke they can call 999 immediately and our care teams can respond.”
The awareness campaign uses the internationally-established FAST message to highlight the major signs of stroke and reinforce the need to act quickly.
F — Face drooping: Has your face suddenly drooped on one side or do you have difficulty smiling? A — Arm weakness: Are you unable to raise both arms? S — Speech problems: Do you have difficulty speaking or being understood by other people? and T — Time is ticking: Call 999 immediately.
The Peninsula
