Udaya K. Ranawaka (Sri Lanka)
University of Kelaniya
Medicine
Professor Udaya K. Ranawaka MBBS, MD, MRCP, FRCP (Lond), FCCP, FAHA, FAAN Professor Udaya Ranawaka is Professor in Neurology at the University of Kelaniya, and Honorary Consultant Neurologist and Head of the Stroke Unit and at the Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka. He is a Fellow of the Ceylon College of Physicians, Royal College of Physicians of London, American Stroke Association and the American Academy of Neurology. He is a Past President of the National Stroke Association of Sri Lanka, Association of Sri Lankan Neurologists and the Ceylon College of Physicians. He is the Administrator of the Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry and is a Member of the Advisory Group of the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, World Health Organisation. His main research interests include stroke, CNS infections, tropical neurology and clinical trial registration. He has been a National Coordinator/Principal Investigator in several international clinical trials and research collaborations on stroke. He has won over 30 national and international research awards. He has delivered eight named orations and over 100 invited lectures at national and international scientific meetings. He has several book chapters, over 80 journal publications and over 90 research abstracts to his credit.

Presenter of 1 Presentation

 Conference Calendar

Improving Stroke Systems of Care in LMIC: Sri Lanka

Session Name
0015 - Establishing Stroke Services in Low and Middle Income Countries (ID 30)
Session Type
Main Theme Symposium
Date
28.10.2021, Thursday
Session Time
08:00 - 09:30
Room
MAIN THEME A
Presenter
Lecture Time
08:28 - 08:42

Abstract

Abstract Body

Sri Lanka is a South Asian country in the lower-middle income category. Noncommunicable diseases account for 71% of all annual deaths, and stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. Current demographic and epidemiological transitions are likely to lead to a large increase in an already high burden of stroke in the community.

Significant gaps exist in the quality of available stroke care. Developments in modern stroke care have been slow due to a lack of human resources and infrastructure facilities. Most patients with acute stroke are treated in state-sector hospitals where facilities for modern stroke care are limited. Neurologists are limited in number, and acute stroke care is largely provided by general physicians. Stroke units, neuroimaging, thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, neurosurgical care and rehabilitation services are all limited in varying degrees across the country, although there are encouraging trends in the development of these. Prehospital stroke care and community support services are virtually nonexistent.

There is a clear need for improving stroke systems of care in Sri Lanka. Clinical audits have demonstrated the capacity of basic stroke units to deliver good acute care despite resource constraints. The National Stroke Association of Sri Lanka is playing a key role in creating public awareness. Sri Lanka, with its high literacy rates, free health care system and excellent primary health care coverage is well positioned to face the challenge of improving stroke systems of care. More research data is needed to guide strategies to minimise the burden of stroke in the country.

Hide