Stroke Management Challenges in High-prevalence Regions

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Siloam Hospitals CEO Dhirga Surya Medan Hartono Teguh Wijaya stated that stroke management remains a serious challenge in Indonesia, particularly in high-prevalence regions such as North Sumatra.

In a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, Hartono highlighted that stroke prevalence in North Sumatra is around 9.3%, making it one of the areas with significant national burden.

In this context, treatment speed and the presence of healthcare facilities with swift, integrated standards are key to patient safety.

He explained these factors are crucial in addressing the critical ’ golden period’—less than 4.5 hours from symptom onset— during which timely intervention improves recovery odds and reduces permanent disability risk.

Success also relies on multidisciplinary collaboration among specialists, including neurology, radiology, and neurosurgery, to ensure optimal service standards.

Meanwhile, improving stroke services depends not only on technology but also public awareness.

He highlighted education on early stroke symptoms and the importance of prompt treatment as vital to reducing delays.

‘With international-standard facilities in regional areas, we hope to-expand public access to swift and accurate stroke care, thereby increasing patient survival rates across Indonesia,’ Hartono said.

The hospital has also been awarded Advanced Stroke Centre certification by the World Stroke Organization.

‘This is not just an award but a commitment to ensuring patients receive the best stroke treatment without needing to go abroad,’ he added.

He explained the certification is awarded to facilities meeting high standards in stroke care, from rapid diagnosis and advanced medical intervention to evidence-based rehabilitation.