Philips Begins Initiative to Modernize Stroke Care in Ukraine

Philips, the World Bank, and Ukraine’s Ministry of Health (MOH) have begun a nationwide initiative to modernize stroke and cardiovascular care in Ukraine.

The demand for stroke care in Ukraine is almost doubling because of war damage and displaced populations that don’t have access to timely care. The program seeks to create an advanced network of locations to diagnose and treat stroke.

This joint initiative is delivering advanced image-guided therapy systems for acute stroke treatment to critical regions including Dnipro, Sumy, Kharkiv, Lviv, Zaporizhzha, and Odesa. Philips is donating 25 Azurion interventional suites for minimally invasive stroke procedures, specifically thrombectomies.

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The systems also feature software tools and tech to accelerate procedures and boost coordination of care. Philips is working with its partner AFS Medizintechnik to roll out systems across the country—so far, 19 systems have been installed.

The initiative also entails hands-on education and training in Poland for physicians using Philips’ technology.

“Every year, approximately 140,000 Ukrainians experience a stroke, with many facing disability or death due to delayed treatment,” said Carla Goulart Peron, chief medical officer at Philips. “This collaboration ensures patients in underserved regions gain access to life-saving technologies.”

“This program is saving lives, reducing disability, and changing the futures of stroke patients,” added Dr. Dmytro Lebedynets, a neurologist at Feofaniya Clinical Hospital and consultant on stroke to the World Bank and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. “With these advanced tools, we can deliver timely and precise life-saving care, even in emergencies. It’s a game-changer for our patients. Now all the regions of our country will be able to provide the full spectrum of care to stroke patients.”

Philips began a two-year partnership with the World Stroke Organization (WSO) in 2023 with the goal of broadening access to high-quality stroke care.