Vietnamese among world’s highest stroke risk group amid treatment unit shortage: expert

Vietnamese people have one of the highest risks of stroke in the world but treatment facilities in Vietnam are not sufficient to meet the demand, a stroke expert has warned. A stroke unit is defined as a dedicated, clearly defined area or ward in a hospital where stroke patients are admitted and cared for by a multi-professional team, according to the European Stroke Organization. As a result, it takes many patients in many provinces several hours to reach the nearest stroke treatment unit. According to some recommendations, it is ideal for a stroke unit in Vietnam to accommodate 500 patients at most, Dr. Thang said. “That means as many as nearly 400 more stroke units need to be established.