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Published on August 3, 2007

The figure is based on the fact that about 10 million Thais are suffering from hypertension and another 3 million are diabetic. These people are exposed to a much higher risk of suffering a stroke.

"Also, about half of hypertension patients are not aware of their health condition," Deputy Public Health Minister Vallop Thaineua said yesterday. He said obesity, smoking, oily food, minimal consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as a lack of exercise also increased the health risks.

According to Vallop, about 150,000 Thais become paralysed through strokes each year. Of this number, more than 45,000 die. During recuperation, each patient needs to spend Bt100,000 a year.

In an effort to prevent paralysis cases, the Public Health Ministry yesterday launched its "Week of Hypertension Prevention". During the campaign, people aged over 35 can receive free blood-pressure tests and waistline measurements.

"Health volunteers will provide the services in all communities," Vallop said, adding that those taking advantage of the offer would also receive advice about good food and good exercise.

Meanwhile, Chumphon public-health chief Dr Utumporn Kampu na Ayutthaya said the number of hypertension and diabetic patients in the province had risen significantly since 2002.

In 2002 there were 342 hypertension patients per 100,000 people. Last year the ratio had risen to 660 per 100,000 people.

In 2002 there were 209 diabetic patients per 100,000 people. In 2006 the figure had risen to 386 per 100,000.