AIIMS Delhi Pushes for Comprehensive Stroke Care Expansion
AIIMS Delhi's CME highlights the need for advanced stroke care and prevention strategies, marking 100 years of cerebral angiography.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi recently hosted a continuing medical education (CME) event focused on the evolution and expansion of stroke care in India. Held on August 6, the program titled "Save the Brain -- Stroke is Preventable and Treatable" gathered over 400 healthcare professionals to discuss advancements in stroke prevention, recognition, and treatment.
Commemorating a Century of Cerebral Angiography
This CME not only aimed to enhance stroke care but also marked the centenary of cerebral angiography, paying homage to its pioneer, Egas Moniz. AIIMS Delhi's Director, Dr. Nikhil Tandon, underscored the evolution in stroke medicine, emphasizing a shift from merely recognizing neurological deficits to actively preserving brain function.
"We should aspire to learn neurology from preserved brain function, not from the loss caused by stroke," Dr. Tandon stated, highlighting the collective responsibility in improving stroke care.
National Health Mission's Role
Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Health Mission, stressed the importance of prevention and early recognition. She advocated for coordinated care through initiatives like Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and emphasized the need for structured training of community health workers such as ASHAs and ANMs.
Patnaik also called for the strengthening of referral pathways through a hub-and-spoke model, ensuring that quality treatment is accessible at every level of healthcare.
Holistic Approach and Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Dr. M Srinivas, a member of NITI Aayog, highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive approach to stroke care that includes prevention, acute treatment, and community awareness. He also mentioned the ongoing brain-health initiatives in 12 aspirational districts and suggested involving school students in stroke awareness efforts.
Dr. Shailesh B Gaikwad from AIIMS emphasized expanding stroke intervention services nationwide and promoting Make-in-India neurovascular devices to improve access to advanced treatments.
Building a Comprehensive Stroke-Care Ecosystem
Dr. Awadh Kishor Pandit, associated with the CME, stressed the need to move beyond hospital-based treatments to create a comprehensive stroke-care system. "Stroke is not only a neurological emergency but also a public health challenge," he remarked, advocating for coordinated efforts across communities, primary-care providers, specialists, and policymakers.
The event brought together senior neurologists and stroke specialists, including Dr. Manjari Tripathi, Prof. Achal K Srivastava, and Dr. Vikram Huded, president of the Indian Stroke Association. The organizers aimed to foster learning, collaboration, and action towards strengthening India's stroke-care network.
The central message, "Save the Brain -- Stroke is Preventable and Treatable," emphasized the critical role of prevention and timely intervention in reducing the burden of stroke in India.