Boehringer Ingelheim showcases stroke treatment in Qingdao

Leading global pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim presented its innovative total stroke solution on June 3 during the second Conference of Global Health Forum of Boao Forum for Asia, showcasing the company's innovation ecosystem in China.

The "Innovation for Health – Healthcare Leaders Summit" sub-forum is held on June 3 during the second Conference of Global Health Forum of Boao Forum for Asia. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As the highest-level health conference in China, this year's forum is titled "Health Beyond Health — In the Year of Sustainable Development 2030" and its goal is "Health for All" as advocated by the United Nations and World Health Organization.

More than 2,880 guests from 40 countries and regions participated in the event via online and offline channels for in-depth discussions on "Universal Health Coverage," "Innovation for Health", and "Health in All Policies".

Felix Gutsche, president and CEO of Boehringer Ingelheim Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, delivers a keynote speech at the sub-forum. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Felix Gutsche, president and CEO of Boehringer Ingelheim Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, was invited to attend the forum and delivered a keynote speech titled "Medical Insurance and Service Systems in an Aging Society" at the "Innovation for Health – Healthcare Leaders Summit" sub-forum.

He focused on the increasing challenges resulting from aging populations, and provided insight into the improvement of multi-level social insurance systems. In addition, Genevieve Faith, head of Healthcare Solutions, Boehringer Ingelheim T.C.M., also delivered a speech titled "Protecting China's Citizens from Strokes" at the forum.

During the forum, Gutsche and Faith introduced Boehringer Ingelheim's innovative total stroke solution.

"Strokes not only hurt patients, but also inflict huge costs on their families and society. Boehringer Ingelheim's innovative total stroke solution covers all aspects of strokes, including prevention, education, detection, EMS, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. We hope to bring more benefits to stroke patients and their families," said Gutsche.

Strokes result in high rates of morbidity, mortality, and disability. In 2018, the mortality rate among Chinese patients with stroke was 149.49 per 100,000. Stroke-related deaths accounted for 22.3 percent of all deaths among Chinese people.

In addition, strokes are much more common among rural residents than urban residents. Strokes have become a major threat to the health and lives of Chinese people and have inflicted heavy costs on patients, their families, communities, and the entire country.

Felix Gutsche, president and CEO of Boehringer Ingelheim Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said "As a pioneer in stroke care, Boehringer Ingelheim has globally-leading expertise and experience in the prevention and treatment of strokes. Over the years, we have been committed to working with our partners to advance stroke management in China. We hope to leverage the platform and influence of the Global Health Forum of the Boao Forum for Asia to seek more close partnerships and make unremitting efforts to help build a solid stroke care system in China and contribute to the 'Healthy Cities' and 'Healthy China 2030' initiatives."