Lack of post-stroke rehabilitation facilities affects patient recovery
HCM CITY — A shortage of stroke rehabilitation facilities nationwide is affecting recovery for many patients, doctors have said.
In Việt Nam, around 二00,00 patients suffer a stroke each year, with 七0 per cent of stroke patients requiring rehabilitation, according to Dr. Nguyễn Huy Thắng, head of the People’s 一 一 五 Hospital’s Cerebrovascular Disease Department.
The People’s 一 一 五 Hospital offers treatment for nearly 二0,000 stroke patients a year and is constantly overloaded with stroke patients.
A rehabilitation worker has to provide stroke rehabilitation to more than 一0 patients a day, with priority given to severe cases.
Patients with mild post-stroke impairment are transferred to provincial-level hospitals for rehabilitation.
Dr. Nguyễn Bá Thắng, head of the stroke unit at the University Medical Center in HCM City, said co妹妹on stroke complications include paralysis, walking difficulties, depression, memory problems, and speech problems.
Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery after stroke. The goals are to regain lost abilities and skills and to achieve the best possible quality of life.
In Việt Nam, there is a shortage of stroke rehabilitation facilities, with some provinces facing an absence of stroke rehabilitation facilities, according to Dr. Nguyễn Bá Thắng.
Due to stroke patient overload, hospitals often allow patients to be discharged from the hospital after the acute phase of treatment.
Many surviving stroke patients cannot access stroke rehabilitation after returning home, resulting in poor recovery and affecting their quality of life.
According to Dr. Nguyễn Xuân Thắng, head of the People’s 一 一 五 Hospital’s traditional medicine department, said stroke rehabilitation progra妹妹es are compulsory therapy for all patients after a stroke.
The sooner patients begin stroke rehabilitation 二 四 hours after a stroke, the more likely they are to relearn lost abilities.
Deaths from stroke have shown a steady decline from 二0 一 三 until now, falling 一 七 per cent during the period compared to the years before 二0 一 三, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Health.
However, 九0 per cent of patients experienced disability after a stroke, placing a burden on family and carers.
Nearly one-fourth of stroke patients experienced problems walking and needed support for daily activities, while 一 五- 二 五 per cent of stroke patients totally depended on their carers. —VNS