Strokes claim 25,000 lives in Sri Lanka yearly - Dr. Mehta

Dulshani GUNAWARDENA

WHO Representative for Sri Lanka Dr. Firdosi Rustom Mehta said that non-communicable diseases have become an epidemic in themselves.

Despite all the emphasis placed on communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases cause more than seventy percent of all deaths worldwide.

Together with Chronic Pulmonary Diseases(heart attacks), diabetics and cancer, strokes head this fatal list. It has become the fourth major cause of all deaths, Strokes claim a staggering yearly figure of 5.5 million victims. It's the fifth major cause of death in Sri Lanka, claiming 25,000 lives yearly and leaving many permanently disabled.

Dr. Metha addressing a seminar yesterday together with other noted academics highlighted issues dealing with the deadly yet underestimated medical condition of stroke.

In his welcome address, Public Administration Minister, Director (Health Education and Publicity) Dr. Sarath Amunugama called for greater public awareness towards the need of building up a healthy lifestyle.

Director/NCD Dr. Lal Panapitiya stressed on the importance of building a strong educational network focused on creating public awareness on this underestimated killer.

He emphasized that rehabilitation of stroke victims was as important as treatment.

The effects of strokes are long lasting, causing great economic strain and productivity loss. Deputy Director General of Health Services (PHS) Dr. P.G. Maheepala stated that prevention played an important factor in minimizing fatalities.

The rapid urbanization in Sri Lanka during the past three decades has led to sedentary lifestyles, increased tobacco and alcohol consumption, not only causing an increase of stroke victims, but also many other health issues.

This seminar was held in commemoration of the World Stroke Day which falls on October 29.