The scientific sessions of the second Omani-German Stroke Conference commenced on Sunday. The sessions included papers on stroke care development in Oman, the importance of quality and safety of patient's treatment, as well as therapeutic methods.

The papers also touched on the current status of developing a stroke database in order to facilitate conducting scientific researches in all aspects related to strokes, the importance of telestroke networks and role of stroke-nurse education.

The Conference was inaugurated yesterday at Grand Hyatt Hotel under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Saidi, Minister of Health in the presence of H.E. Dr. Volker Wissing, Minister of Economic Affairs, Transport, Agriculture and Viniculture of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate of the Federal Republic of Germany along with a number of MOH senior officials.

Dr. Al-Saidi pointed out that; we need all to work together to prevent or at least to minimize the risks of strokes. The government and health institutions can offer the best care, but before that, there must be an awareness of how to prevent such diseases and the early detection. However, if the family, the health care provider and the community knew what to do and where to go for help when they see the first signs of stroke, I think the result of the disease will be much better.

The Minister also praised the relations between Oman and German and he said that we need to see it even stronger and better and we look forward to training the Omani medical cadres.

Dr. Amal Al-Hashmi, Senior Consultant and Head of Central Stroke Unit stressed that this conference is an opportunity for all experts interested in the field of stroke and it is meet and share their expertise and experiences. It is also a great chance to highlight the updates in the field of stroke, and strengthening the relationship between the professionals in this field by sharing ideas and common issues related to patient care, education, and research.

She pointed out that the Conference will cover many interesting topics such as, telestroke, cryptogenic stroke, rehabilitation post-stroke, and definitely development of care of stroke in Oman.

Dr. Amal added that, the support we have received from our Ministry of Health (MOH) in this field is endless. Today, we have three functioning stroke units and another one waiting to function soon. I am also very proud to tell you that each year we have been training more nurses in how to take care of stroke patients. We also manage to publish new research paper in this field.

She also added that with more than sixteen million stroke per year worldwide, stroke is considered the second leading cause of death and third cause of disability worldwide. Stroke continues to be responsible for more deaths then Aids, TB, and malaria combined. With aging societies and increasing risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and others the burden of these diseases are even expected to increase. Therefore, stroke prevention and treatment deserve a high priority in the health care system.

The Conference aimed at promoting the joint cooperation between the Sultanate and Germany in the field of stroke, highlighting the latest scientific and medical updates on strokes and raising the level of healthcare services in the health institutions in the Sultanate in this regard, sharing experiences, developing medical skills in the field of strokes.