AIIMS Delhi, Indian Stroke Association hold CME to boost stroke care in India
More than 400 healthcare professionals participated in a continuing medical education (CME) programme organised by the Department of Neurology, AIIMS Delhi, in collaboration with the Indian Stroke Association (ISA) to discuss strategies for expanding stroke care in India from prevention and early recognition to advanced treatment.
The CME, titled “Save the Brain — Stroke is Preventable and Treatable”, was held on August 6, marking the centenary of cerebral angiography and paying tribute to its pioneer, Egas Moniz.
The programme focused on strengthening stroke prevention, timely diagnosis, referral mechanisms, acute treatment, rehabilitation and community awareness.
AIIMS, Delhi, Director Dr Nikhil Tandon, who was the chief guest, highlighted the evolution of stroke medicine from recognising neurological deficits to preserving brain function and said stroke care was a collective responsibility.
“We should aspire to learn neurology from preserved brain function, not from the loss of brain function caused by stroke,” Dr Tandon said.
Additional Secretary and Mission Director (NHM), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Aradhana Patnaik, emphasised prevention, early recognition, timely referral and coordinated care through National Health Mission initiatives, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
She highlighted the need for screening for stroke risk factors and structured training of ASHAs, ANMs, community health officers and medical officers, besides strengthening referral pathways through hub-and-spoke models. “Policy at every level should ensure good quality treatment while placing greater emphasis on prevention,” Patnaik said.
NITI Aayog member Dr M Srinivas stressed the need for a holistic continuum of care covering prevention, early recognition, acute treatment, rehabilitation and community awareness. He highlighted the brain-health initiative being undertaken in 12 aspirational districts and called for greater multidisciplinary collaboration in stroke care. He also suggested that school students could become effective ambassadors for stroke awareness in communities.
Dr Shailesh B Gaikwad, Chief, Neurosciences Centre and Head of the Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Neuroradiology at AIIMS, shared his expertise in neurovascular interventions and called for expansion of stroke intervention services across the country.
He also advocated greater promotion of Make-in-India neurovascular devices to strengthen access to advanced stroke treatment.Dr Awadh Kishor Pandit, who was associated with the CME, said the programme underlined the need to move beyond hospital-based treatment and build a comprehensive stroke-care ecosystem.
“Stroke is not only a neurological emergency, but it is also a public health challenge that requires prevention, rapid recognition, timely referral and access to advanced treatment.
