A medical network has produced a spin-off of the controversial rap song Prathet Ku Mee (What My Country's Got) as a part of its campaign to promote stroke awareness and prevention.
The Network Against Strokes collaborated with students of Khon Kaen University's medical school to produce a video clip based on the Rap Against Dictatorship group's song.
The rappers' original verses criticise the country's political and social problems -- from divisive and violent politics, chronic corruption, to inequality and injustice.
The lyrics also refer to events and allegations pertaining to the military government.
Somsak Thiemkao, head of the network, said the catchy tune would help to attract people's attention to focusing on paralysis brought on by strokes.
He said the number of paralysed stroke patients is increasing every year. Strokes leave between 3,000 to 4,000 of patients paralysed every year, even though paralysis is preventable, he said.
The one-minute video clip warns of the early signs of stroke, such as the drooping of the face, arm weakness and speech difficulties.
Dr Somsak said paralysis can be prevented if sufferers are given appropriate medical attention no longer than four hours after experiencing a stroke. However, only 20% of sufferers arrived in time for treatment.
For treatment, patients are given thrombolytic agents, such as the fibrinolytic drugs.
An application called Fast Track has also been developed to help medical staff bring stroke patients to the hospital quickly.
