Legazpi city: The Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) on Monday inaugurated its Acute Stroke Unit (ASU), a specialized facility aimed at improving emergency stroke response and increasing survival and recovery chances for patients in the region. During the inauguration, BRHMC Medical Center Chief Dr. Eric Raymond Raborar said the facility serves as a centralized specialized hub for Bicolanos needing immediate stroke intervention. "This is not just a collection of blueprints and equipment. It is a specialized ecosystem designed to ensure that no Bicolano has to travel far for world-class medical care," he remarked.
According to Philippines News Agency, Raborar emphasized that the ASU opening marks a major step forward in the region's healthcare capability, particularly in addressing stroke cases, one of the leading causes of disability and death. "We are opening a door to hope. Time is of the essence, and BRHMC is ready to act," he added. The ASU includes a dedicated "brain attack team" of neurologists and specially trained nurses who will provide intensive monitoring and immediate intervention for stroke patients.
Acute Stroke Care Committee Chair Dr. Lynne Lourdes Lucena highlighted that the unit addresses the lack of specialized stroke care facilities in Bicol. "They said stroke is among the top three causes of death, but I realized we do not have an acute stroke unit in Bicol," she noted. She added that the facility will also contribute to future stroke-related research and data gathering in the region.
Lucena explained that stroke patients must reach the hospital within the four-hour "golden hour" to receive thrombolytic therapy, or clot-busting medication. "If the medication is administered within the golden period and the patient qualifies based on the neurologist's evaluation, symptoms such as loss of speech and weakness on one side of the body may be reversed," she stated. Thrombolysis treatment is covered under the PhilHealth package for qualified patients.
The ASU currently has four beds designed for intensive monitoring of patients who undergo thrombolysis. "This is not an ICU. It is intensive monitoring where patients are monitored 24/7 to immediately detect possible side effects and determine whether they should be transferred to the ICU or a regular ward," she explained. Patients typically stay in the unit for four to five days, depending on their condition and the neurologist's assessment.
Lucena also stressed the importance of early stroke recognition through the "BFAST" method, which stands for balance, eyes, face, arms, speech, and time. Raborar said BRHMC is also planning to strengthen stroke awareness and emergency response at the community level by training barangay health workers and local transport systems before October. "Early recognition, transport, and intervention are crucial. The intervention is on our part, but we need to train and educate barangay health workers so they can immediately recognize stroke symptoms," he said.
He also advised the public to take precautions amid the hot weather brought by El Ni±o, noting that extreme heat may trigger heat stroke and other health complications. "Let us prepare for the hot weather. Always drink water to avoid dehydration, avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and do not hesitate to seek help or go to the hospital immediately if necessary," Raborar mentioned.
Legazpi City Mayor Hisham Ismail pledged PHP500,000 in support of the facility on behalf of the city government. "This will provide closer, easier, and faster services for patients. This will help save lives," Ismail stated. He also assured the continued support of the Legazpi City government for healthcare initiatives and collaboration with the Department of Health.
