Stories That Inspire: Age Is Not an Obstacle to Stroke Treatment

At the "Central Regional Intensive Care Hospital of Samariysk District" in Dnipropetrovsk Region, a unique clinical case occurred, proving that timely medical intervention saves lives, regardless of age. Doctors performed systemic thrombolysis on a 100-year-old patient who had suffered an acute ischemic stroke, saving the patient’s life and preventing complications.

This success was made possible through the coordinated work of all levels of the healthcare system, adherence to patient pathways, protocols, and medical requirements. The emergency medical team delivered the patient to a medical facility specializing in stroke treatment within the "therapeutic window" with normalized blood pressure, having notified the hospital in advance. A team of neurologists was already awaiting the patient. Immediate diagnostic tests, including CT scans of the brain and laboratory analyses, were conducted, and thrombolytic therapy was initiated. The procedure was carried out without complications. After 13 days of treatment and rehabilitation, the patient made an almost complete recovery and was able to leave the hospital independently.

The "Central Regional Intensive Care Hospital of Samariysk District" is the medical facility specializing in stroke treatment. It has an agreement with the National Health Service of Ukraine (НСЗУ) to provide services under the "Medical Assistance for Acute Cerebral Stroke" package.

As of October 15, 2025, the Central Regional Intensive Care Hospital of Samariysk District has treated 405 patients under the "Medical Assistance for Acute Cerebral Stroke" package, with 49 patients receiving thrombolytic therapy. The hospital has already received 8 million UAH for the services provided in the treatment of stroke patients.

Vadim Mykhailyuta, the hospital's Director General, shared:
"Cooperation with the NCSU brings positive changes in financial support, allowing us to make significant improvements. Every patient with a stroke diagnosis receives modern treatment and medication from the National Drug List."

Olga Vovk, a neurologist and head of the stroke department, noted:
"Previously, patients with suspected strokes were transported to Dnipro. Now, they receive help right here with us. The department is equipped with two CT scanners, eliminating any delays in treatment. Each case is unique for us. Until now, the oldest patients we treated were 87 and 93 years old. Unfortunately, there is a sad trend — stroke is becoming younger and more frequent, especially among military personnel."

It is worth noting that 191 medical institutions across the country have contracts with the NCSU to provide stroke treatment services. In total, more than 90,000 patients have received assistance under the Medical Guarantee Program. Among them, 16,593 are over 80 years old (as of October 15, 2025). For these services, the state has paid hospitals over 2 billion UAH.

The tariffs for treating patients under the "Medical Assistance for Acute Cerebral Stroke" package are as follows:

• 131,472 UAH for patients requiring endovascular interventions
• 62,565 UAH for patients requiring thrombolytic therapy
• 15,643 UAH for patients not requiring either endovascular interventions or thrombolytic therapy.