With the introduction of its ‘Be Stroke Smart’ campaign, Manipal Hospitals, one of the biggest healthcare networks in India, took a significant step forward in several initiatives targeted at raising awareness of stroke and improving its management. Leading neurologists and neurosurgeons from Manipal Hospitals’ units celebrated World Stroke Day, which is recognized globally on October 29. They presented valuable insights on how early detection and management of stroke can enhance patient outcomes.

The program was attended by Dr. Rabindra Narayan Bhattacharya, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Manipal Hospitals Dhakuria, Dr. L.N. Tripathy, Senior Vice Chairman, Director & Senior Consultant, Medica Institute of Neurological Diseases (MIND), (now a part of Manipal Hospitals), Dr. Apratim Chatterjee, Interventional Neurologist & Stroke Specialist, Manipal Hospitals Mukundapur, Dr. Nirmalya Ray, Consultant – Neuro Interventional Radiologist, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, (now a part of Manipal Hospitals). Dr. Dipendra Kumar Pradhan, Senior Consultant–Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospitals Mukundapur, and Dr.Ayanabh Deb Gupta, Regional COO, Manipal Hospitals (East).

Ashoke Viswanathan and Sudeshna Roy also graced the event.

According to these specialists, there is a rising need for public education on how to recognize the signs of a stroke and seek prompt medical assistance, as well as the fact that a considerable portion of strokes occur in younger age groups.

Through community-based initiatives in Kolkata, particularly in residential complexes and senior citizen groups, the ‘Be Stroke Smart’ campaign aims to increase individuals’ ability to self-evaluate, identify symptoms, and spot early strokes. It consists of a citywide awareness campaign, a network of knowledgeable first responders, and “stroke-ready” services backed by Manipal Hospitals’ state-of-the-art stroke care infrastructure. In addition to having neurosurgery intensive care units (ITUs), hospital departments (HDUs), and round-the-clock neurology specialists, these hospitals also have a fleet of ambulances that are specifically built to respond quickly to stroke victims, guaranteeing that these patients receive professional care from the moment of pickup.

The “Be Stroke Smart” initiative has begun particular training programs for ambulance drivers to recognize probable stroke symptoms in addition to preparing hospitals for strokes. Since ambulance drivers are frequently the initial point of contact for patients, they are trained to recognize the early warning symptoms of stroke and make sure the patient is taken right away to the closest hospital that is equipped to handle stroke cases.

To make Kolkata a “Stroke Smart” city, Manipal Hospitals has already started outreach initiatives to teach the locals lifesaving skills and appropriate stroke awareness practices. Raising knowledge of the main risk factors for strokes, protective strategies, and fundamental emergency procedures is the main goal.

Priyanka Dutta