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New Delhi, December 1 – The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry has underscored the urgent need to expand India’s neurologist workforce and embrace telemedicine to address the growing burden of strokes. With over 1.8 million new stroke cases annually, strokes have become one of India’s leading causes of disability and death, placing immense emotional and financial strain on patients and families.
At the 2nd Edition of the National Stroke Conclave and Awards, Dr. K. Madan Gopal, Advisor to the National Health Systems Resource Centre, emphasized a multi-pronged approach to tackle the crisis. “Addressing stroke care in India requires prevention, timely diagnosis, and robust infrastructure,” he said.
While ongoing programs like hypertension and diabetes screening under the National Programme for Non-Communicable Diseases (NPCDCS) are essential, the real challenge lies in expanding capacity. “We need more neurologists and must harness digital health tools like telemedicine to ensure timely intervention,” Gopal added, urging collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
Critical Gaps in Stroke Care
World Stroke Organisation President, Dr. Jeyaraj Pandian, highlighted the need for equitable healthcare services across regions. “Stroke surveillance is a WHO priority, but challenges persist in collecting reliable data on mortality and addressing regional disparities,” he noted. He called for comprehensive approaches encompassing prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation to improve outcomes locally and globally.
India records over 1.2 million stroke-related deaths annually, and timely intervention remains a significant hurdle. Experts at the conclave stressed boosting public awareness to ensure patients receive care during the critical golden hour.
Leveraging Technology for Better Outcomes
Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool to bridge gaps in stroke care, especially in rural and underserved regions. Its potential to provide remote consultations and expedite diagnosis can mitigate delays and improve survival rates.
The conclave concluded with a collective call to action to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, enhance training for medical professionals, and promote innovative digital solutions. Such steps, experts said, would be pivotal in alleviating the stroke burden in India and transforming patient outcomes.
