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France’s Stroke Strategy Faulted by Audit, With Call for New National Plan

The audit urges a refreshed national stroke plan to restore coordination from prevention to recovery.

Overview

  • The Cour des comptes says results remain mixed 15 years after the 2010 plan, citing stagnant hypertension control and poor public recognition of warning signs.
  • Only about 50% of patients are hospitalized in dedicated stroke units despite 140 UNV, and access to thrombectomy-capable neuroradiology is even more uneven across regions.
  • Post-acute care is fragmented, with 17,000 severely disabled patients discharged home without rehabilitation and nearly 7,000 lacking medical follow-up 18 months later.
  • The court estimates annual public spending on stroke at about €4.5 billion and projects roughly €200 million in savings through better patient orientation, coordination and shorter stays.
  • Neurology leaders support renewed national coordination and a major information campaign, with warnings that stroke incidence could climb substantially without stronger prevention.