Focusing on the need to bring about a positive change in the lives of thousands of stroke patients city of Mumbai, leading neurologists, Dr. Shirish Hastak, Dr. Fali Poncha, Dr. Pawan Ojha along with Harsha Bhogle came together to shed light on this issue.
According to the World Stroke Organization, every 6 minutes, someone in this world has a stroke. One in every six individuals can have a stroke during their lifetime. Stroke is the second leading cause of death after cancer in our country. In India, 14 lakh people develop an acute ischemic stroke every year. But very few reach a neurologist on time. It has been observed that of the 3800 who are afflicted with acute ischemic stroke every day, only 380 or 10% reach on time (within 3 to 4.5 golden hour period).
Stressing on the need for stroke excellence centers in India, Dr. Shirish Hastak said, “Currently in India, the concerns which have to be addressed for improving the Stroke treatment is that only 1 out of 5 Neurologists thrombolyse, and also lack of protocols, infrastructure and Training. Indian Stroke Association (ISA) and doctors associated with it are committed to increasing the doctors for thrombolysing, setting up the Stroke Protocols, building Stroke Units and providing training and education.”
Highlighting on the importance to create awareness, Harsha Bhogle stated, “Stroke is something which is probably most common in every household but at the same time the understanding and awareness about the cause and the symptoms are really low.I am really active on social media so I would want to use that as a platform to spread awareness on stroke.”
Stressing on educating the masses, Dr. Pawan Ojha stated, “Not only does India need proper stroke management in terms of stroke units, but awareness itself is very pitiable and many of the masses are unaware about its treatment and preventive measures. Physicians and doctors tend to hold up the patients for investigations and refer them late to the appropriate centers and this leads to loss of time. Early referral is the Key. Evolving modalities like clot retrievals etc. are available in larger hospitals and they can discuss with the higher centers quickly and refer the patient with drip and ship or like hub and spoke model.”
On a concluding note, Dr. Fali Poncha addressed the audience saying, “A Stroke can strike u down with long term / lifetime disability. ACT FAST TO TREAT AND PREVENT A CATASTROPHE. A stroke is a BRAIN ATTACK. We must fight it FIERCELY."
Photo Caption: Harsha Bhogle moderating a session on Stroke
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