Stroke has become one of the major causes of disability and mortality in India, with nearly 1.5 million cases reported every year. Alarming findings from a recent study published in the International Journal of Stroke highlight that 85-90% of these strokes are caused by blood clots in major brain vessels, requiring immediate and advanced medical intervention. However, only 25% of India’s population has access to stroke-ready hospitals, with significant regional disparities further exacerbating the crisis. The study reveals that many central, eastern, and northeastern regions remain critically underserved, while even regions with better access face challenges like long travel distances to treatment centers.
On the other hand, regions such as southern states, Chandigarh, Kerala, and Delhi fare significantly better, with over 50% of their populations within one-hour drive of stroke-ready hospitals. This uneven distribution creates a critical gap in stroke care, leaving millions in underserved areas vulnerable to delayed treatment during emergencies. Thus, the healthcare sector must prioritize infrastructure development, ensuring equitable access to advanced medical facilities nationwide. This highlights the urgent need for more stroke-ready hospitals and greater awareness about early stroke recognition.
To address this, Yashoda Medicity is playing a pivotal role by enhancing stroke care infrastructure. The upcoming hospital’s world-class Emergency Department will have dedicated Heart and Stroke Command, along with ER-ICU, all designed to provide timely, specialized care. Further, Yashoda Medicity Emergency will also be equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including independent MRI, CT scan, X-ray, and ultrasound facilities, ensuring rapid, accurate stroke diagnosis. This integration of diagnostic capabilities, along with the proximity of DSA & Cath Lab just above the emergency department, significantly reduces turn-around time of interventions and enables swift treatment like thrombolization—either through medication or in the Cath Lab. These advanced facilities will bridge the gap in critical stroke care, providing the urgent medical attention that can make all the difference in patient outcomes.
Dr. PN Arora, CMD, Yashoda Medicity, said, “We understand the urgency of timely intervention in stroke cases. Yashoda Medicity is dedicated to meeting the critical need for stroke-ready hospitals in the region, and our goal is to ensure that patients receive the immediate, expert care they require. By providing comprehensive stroke care solutions and streamlining the diagnostic and treatment process, we aim to reduce delays and improve patient outcomes. Our commitment to bridging the gap in stroke care will not only support patients in urgent need but also contribute to building a stronger healthcare infrastructure in the region. ”
Thus, the growing incidence of stroke in India demands urgent attention to address the significant gaps in access to stroke-ready hospitals. With a staggering 1.5 million cases reported annually, timely intervention is critical for improving patient outcomes. The uneven distribution of healthcare facilities, especially in underserved regions, exacerbates the crisis, highlighting the need for infrastructure development and better healthcare accessibility across the country. Hence, prioritizing stroke care in both urban and rural areas will be key to ensuring that no patient is left waiting for the life-saving treatment they need.