Stroke survivors demand inclusive healthcare, urgent policy interventions nationwide

Survivors of Stroke and their advocates are calling on government to urgently improve healthcare access and strengthen support systems to reduce disability and prevent avoidable deaths across Ghana.

The appeal was made at a news conference in Ho to mark National Stroke Survivors Day, observed annually on March 16. The event, organised by the Stroke Association Support Network – Ghana (SASNET Ghana), brought together survivors, caregivers, health professionals and key stakeholders to highlight the persistent challenges facing people living with stroke.

Mr. Callistus Edoh, Volta Regional Chairman of SASNET Ghana, said the day serves to raise awareness and push for improved care. He noted that this year’s theme, “Stroke Survivors: Unseen, Unheard and Unmet,” reflects the often overlooked realities of survivors, including limited representation and gaps in healthcare services.

He explained that many survivors face cognitive, emotional and financial burdens that receive little attention, while access to rehabilitation services and assistive technologies remains constrained.

Mr. Ebenezer Ad Adams, Executive Director of SASNET Ghana, added that many stroke survivors continue to struggle with unclear coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). According to him, while some patients pay fully or partially for rehabilitation, many are unable to afford essential assistive devices such as wheelchairs.

He called on government to fast-track implementation of the Assistive Technology Policy and expand support through the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme. He also urged authorities to clarify provisions under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as “Mahama Care,” to ensure stroke-related services are adequately covered.

Mr. Adams further revealed that more than 16,000 stroke survivors have been registered nationwide, including over 500 in the Volta Region alone, cautioning that the actual number is likely higher.

Stakeholders at the event stressed that stroke remains a leading cause of disability and death in Ghana, with survivors frequently facing long-term physical and economic hardship. They called for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, including the provision of MRI and CT scan machines, as well as the training of more neurologists to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Mr. Edoh cited a recent case in which a stroke patient was reportedly denied oxygen due to NHIS coverage challenges, describing the situation as unacceptable.

Mr. Samuel Sedodo, Vice President of SASNET Ghana, emphasised the need for intensified public education on stroke prevention, early detection and management, urging government to act swiftly to save lives.

Source: GNA