Ministry of Health statement on stroke treatment: 101 units in service

According to data from the Ministry of Health, a total of 101 stroke units are serving acute stroke patients in public hospitals. While healthcare services were provided to thousands of patients in 2025 and the first six months of 2026, the vital importance of early intervention was emphasized.

According to information compiled from Ministry of Health data, early intervention plays a critical role in strokes, which occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked or reduced. Stroke centers and stroke units operate in public hospitals to effectively carry out the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up processes of acute stroke patients. In stroke units, intravenous clot-busting treatment is administered to those who apply within the appropriate time window, while those requiring advanced interventional treatment are referred to stroke centers. At the centers, interventional treatments such as mechanical thrombectomy, which allows the removal of the clot by mechanical methods, are performed. Operating 24/7, these centers aim to provide patients with timely access to treatments.

As of October 2026, there are 101 stroke units in public hospitals, consisting of 49 stroke centers and 52 stroke units. Healthcare services were provided to 79,074 acute ischemic stroke patients in these units during 2025 and the first six months of 2026. As of October 2026, intravenous clot-busting treatment was administered to 9,341 patients, and mechanical thrombectomy was applied to 8,958 patients. These methods are important in preserving brain tissue and reducing permanent damage.

Symptoms of stroke include difficulty speaking and understanding, sudden numbness in the face, arm, or leg, visual impairment, sudden headache, and loss of balance. If these symptoms are observed, it is necessary to apply to the 112 Emergency Call Center without losing time. Waiting for symptoms to pass or delaying application can lead to the loss of critical time.