Indian Stroke Association calls for uniformity of stroke care across India

New Delhi: On the occasion of the World Stroke Day on October 29, the Indian Stroke Association (ISA), the apex body for stroke prevention and treatment, has called for uniformity of stroke care across the country.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the country. There are an estimated 18 lakh stroke cases in India every year. Diabetes, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are some of the risk factors for stroke. The mortality rate in stroke patients is 20%, while 50% of the patients continue to suffer with a minor or major disability for the rest of their lives. Stroke cases expert a huge economic impact on the patients, their families and society in general.

Speaking at the National Stroke Conclave 2023 in Ahmedabad on Friday, ISA President Dr. Anand Alurkar said, “Incidence of stroke is on the rise in the country. According to one study, it has almost doubled in the past decade. Earlier, stroke was mostly affecting the elderly, but now 15-20% of the patients are under the age of 40. The challenge in stroke cases is identifying the symptoms and ensuring timely treatment. We at ISA are working with doctors and other stakeholders to create awareness about stroke and reduce its social and economic burden.”

Organised by Voice of Health Care (VOH) and supported by ISA, the National Stroke Conclave 2023 brought together multiple stakeholders such as neurologists, policymakers, innovators, researchers, and others to address issues such as accessibility, affordability, and quality of stroke care.

State Health and Family Welfare Minister Rushikesh Patel graced the National Stroke Conclave as the chief guest and presented awards to winners in stroke care.

ISA Secretary Dr. Arvind Sharma said, “The Indian Stroke Association wants uniformity and quality in stroke care across India. The ISA initiative of Stroke Accreditation with Quality and Accreditation Institute (QAI) has made India only the third country after the US and Canada to have accreditation standards for stroke. As of now, 65 hospitals have applied for the accreditation and ten have received it.”

Apollo Hospitals Ahmedabad is one of the hospitals in Ahmedabad to be accredited as an advanced stroke centre with the QAI.

Neeraj Lal, COO of Apollo Hospitals Ahmedabad, said “There are various standards and certifications for hospitals but this accreditation is the first time a disease-specific standard has been introduced in India. This accreditation will ensure immediate medical attention for stroke patients. It will go a long way in improving recovery rate in stroke patients.”

World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 to underscore the serious nature and high rates of stroke, raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of the condition, and ensure better care and support for survivors.