The draft law of the Ministry of Health entitled “National Network of Advanced Care Units for the treatment of patients with Vascular Strokes (VAS AEE)” was put into public electronic consultation from today.

The draft law will remain on the opengov.gr page until October 20, 2023, when the consultation will end.

The proposed draft law aims to immediately address cases of patients with Vascular Stroke (CVA) who are in the acute phase and avoid a significant degree of disability, as well as to reduce mortality rates after CVA.

Strokes are the second most frequent cause of death and the most frequent cause of disability worldwide, causing an ever-increasing burden on Greek citizens (57,000 strokes/year). One in six of our fellow human beings is at risk of suffering a stroke at some point in his life.

Our country presents high rates of mortality and residual disability after stroke in Europe: 11,300 fatal strokes/year and 14,000 strokes with residual disability/year.

Stroke-related costs in the European Union have risen to €60 billion/year and estimates predict an increase in the incidence (by 34%) and cost of strokes (by 44%) by 2040 due to an aging population .

Much of these impacts can be reduced by appropriate investment and organization of health services to optimize the prevention, treatment, support and care of stroke patients.

The stroke units are high care units of the hospital, which exclusively treat stroke patients and provide 24-hour medical nursing support and increased possibilities for monitoring, diagnostic tests and therapeutic intervention. Stroke units have proven in every health system where they have been implemented, their ability to reduce mortality, increase independence after stroke, and ultimately mitigate the emotional and financial costs to patients and their families.

These units ensure that patients receive specialized, timely, comprehensive and patient-centered care. Based on the European Stroke Action Plan which has also been adopted by the European Union, it is recommended that 90% of stroke patients receive treatment in special stroke units.

The primary objective for the creation of a modern health system is the establishment of these units nationwide through this draft law.

In Greece they have been recorded by the high rates of mortality and residual disability after AEE pan-European.

In the country as a whole, it is estimated that 57,000 new strokes/year occur, 11,300 of which are fatal and 14,000 of our fellow citizens are forced to live the rest of their lives with an accompanying disability that may concern motor functions, communication, cognitive or emotional higher brain functions. The cost of inpatient hospitalization amounts to 206,625,000 euros and a significant increase is expected as the population ages.

With the creation of a national network of 18 stroke units with 6 beds per unit which will cover all Regions of Greece, at least 7,500 patients will be hospitalized annually, with the expected benefit of much fewer stroke deaths per year, fewer disabled patients and fewer patient hospitalizations in rehabilitation centers.

It’s not just about numbers, it’s about lives. Stroke units will be the pillars of improving the overall management of stroke patients, from the pre-hospital stage to reintegration into society. The further development of the national network, by increasing the number of thrombectomy centers and informing the public about the timely use of these innovative health services, will add further value to the program in the future.

Stroke units offer hope, recovery and a second chance at life.

By establishing a framework to support stroke units, a clear message is being sent: Greece is committed to providing the highest level of care to its people. This commitment will not only save lives, but also enhance the overall well-being of our population. By transforming stroke care in Greece, we are reducing disability, death and pain for countless patients and their families.