The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has witnessed a staggering increase in stroke cases, with admissions surging from 200 to over a thousand annually over the past four decades.
The prevalent cardiovascular disease has prompted the introduction of a groundbreaking time-bound treatment, active stroke thrombolysis, aimed at dissolving clots obstructing blood flow to the brain.
The newly implemented thrombolysis services administer drugs and medication to dissolve blood clots during an acute ischemic stroke, offering a revolutionary approach to stroke treatment.
Dr. Fred Stephen Sarfo, Consultant Neurologist at KATH, emphasised that this innovative treatment seeks to dissolve clots, restoring blood flow to the brain and potentially curing the stroke.
“This is revolutionary and will change the stroke treatment landscape,” Dr. Sarfo declared.
He highlighted the potential for this treatment to significantly reduce paralysis and disability, contrasting it with past limitations in stroke care.
“This one almost cures the stroke so the person doesn’t have to deal with paralysis and disability.
“The approximate cost is about GH₵15,000 for treatment to be given and highly standardized and subsided at the Komfo Anokye,” he said.
Prof. Dr. Otchere Addai-Mensah, CEO of KATH, underscored the hospital‘s commitment to optimizing tertiary healthcare through innovation and research, urging stakeholders and the general public to act swiftly in admitting stroke patients for this specialized service.
“In line with the hospital’s new strategy to optimise the delivery of tertiary healthcare through innovation and research, the management has supported the KATH Multidisciplinary Stroke Thrombolysis Team to commence the delivery of this special service to save stroke patients brought in time to this hospital from suffering the worst possible impact of the disease.
“I will, therefore, enjoin all stakeholders, especially the peripheral hospitals and, indeed, members of the general public, to act with speed in getting stroke patients quickly admitted at KATH for this service,” he said
The Deputy Regional Director of Clinic Care, Ghana Health Service, Rita Larsen-Reindolf, expressed support for the initiative, emphasising the need for awareness and public education to address the increasing prevalence of strokes.
She pledged the readiness of the health service to champion this challenge and collaborate with KATH in advancing stroke care.
“For the immediate terms, awareness and public education are what we can capitalize on,” she added.