Indian Stroke Association urges faster response as 18 lakh cases hit India yearly

The Indian Stroke Association (ISA) has called for greater public awareness of early stroke symptoms and expanded doctor training in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, as India records over 18 lakh stroke cases annually. The call was made during the three-day 12th ISA Stroke Summer School 2026, held in Khopoli, Raigad district, from August 14 to 16. The programme, themed 'From Fundamentals to Frontiers in Stroke Care,' focused on emergency care, prevention and advanced treatment, including the BE FAST approach for symptom recognition.

ISA President Dr Vikram Huded said stroke is both preventable and treatable when recognised early and managed within the golden treatment window. He urged setting up neuro-rehabilitation centres in every district. Secretary Dr Arvind Sharma stressed the first four hours after a stroke and called for community awareness so patients reach hospitals without delay. Dr Nirmal Surya, organising secretary, said around 100 physicians are trained in each programme under senior specialists.

Nearly 1 in 7 stroke patients is under 45, and about 2 in 5 reach hospital more than 24 hours after symptoms begin, according to ISA. The association has trained around 10,000 doctors in stroke management so far and continues its 'Save the Brain' mission across the country. Experts stressed the need to expand stroke-ready facilities beyond major cities and train physicians to administer thrombolysis quickly.