Luang Prabang: Medical professionals from Luang Prabang and Xayaboury provinces have received specialized training to enhance stroke care and treatment, in a program aimed at improving neurological healthcare and reducing stroke-related disabilities and fatalities. According to Lao News Agency, the training took place at Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital on May 6 and was co-chaired by Dr. Khamsone Phongsavathdy, Head of the Provincial Health Department of Luang Prabang; Dr. Ketmany Phetsilisang, neurologist and Deputy Director of Mittaphab Hospital; and Dr. Phouvana Anoulakkham, Director of Luang Prabang Hospital. Experts from France and Mittaphab Hospital also participated. 'This training is a great opportunity for our doctors to improve their skills in treating neurological diseases, especially stroke,' said Dr. Phouvana. 'It will help reduce long-term disability and save lives through timely intervention.' The course covered comprehensive stroke management, including assessment of stroke severity, treat ment of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, use and non-use of clot-dissolving medication, patient rehabilitation, and strategies for stroke prevention. Hands-on sessions followed the theoretical lessons, with practical training held at both Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital and Mittaphab Hospital. With stroke cases on the rise in Laos due to high-risk lifestyles, health authorities are prioritizing such initiatives to build capacity among frontline healthcare workers.