A report of the National Commission on Macroeconomics and Health said that the total number of stroke cases will go up to 17 lakh in 2015 from 12 lakh in 2005.

Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad said this in reply to a question asked in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Mr. Azad said that the hospital based figures from the country show an increased ratio of young stroke cases ranging between 15% to 30%.

The stroke cases are attended to in the health care delivery system at different stages comprising Community Health Centres and District Hospitals.

Under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), financial assistance has been offered to States and Union Territories to support their health infrastructure.

To address the Non Communicable Disease load comprising stroke cases, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has outlined a National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke (NPDCS).

At the beginning, the programme is projected to be followed up in 15 States/UTs in 100 regions. (With Inputs from Agencies)