ISA Urges Faster Stroke Recognition, Expands Doctor Training As India Records Over 18 Lakh Cases Annually
Mumbai, August 15, 2026: The Indian Stroke Association (ISA) has called for greater public awareness of early stroke symptoms and continued training of doctors in tier-2 and tier-3 cities to ensure timely treatment during the critical early hours. The association has already trained around 10,000 doctors in stroke management and said the mission is continuing across the country. Nearly 1 in 7…
The Indian Stroke Association (ISA) has called for increased public awareness of early stroke symptoms and additional training for doctors in smaller cities, aiming to improve timely treatment during the crucial first few hours. Currently, around 10,000 doctors have been trained in stroke management, and this initiative is ongoing nationwide.
Notably, 1 in 7 stroke patients is under the age of 45, and approximately 2 in 5 patients reach the hospital more than 24 hours after their symptoms begin. India sees over 18 lakh stroke cases annually, emphasizing the urgent need for quicker recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition.
This call for action took place during the ISA's 12th Stroke Summer School 2026, held in Khopoli from August 14 to 16. The three-day event brought together stroke experts, neurologists, neurointerventionalists, physicians, residents, and young consultants from across the country. The theme of the programme was "From Fundamentals to Frontiers in Stroke Care," focusing on emergency stroke care, prevention, and advanced treatment methods including BE FAST, neuroimaging, intravenous thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, neurointervention, neurocritical care, rehabilitation, and secondary prevention.
Experts highlighted the necessity of expanding stroke-ready facilities beyond major cities and training physicians to swiftly identify eligible patients for thrombolysis, thereby reducing treatment delays in smaller urban areas. Dr Vikram Huded, President of ISA, emphasized that stroke can be effectively treated when recognized early and managed within the 'golden treatment window.' He also called for the establishment of neuro-rehabilitation centers in every district to support stroke patients in their recovery process.
Dr Arvind Sharma, Secretary of ISA, stressed the critical importance of the first four hours following a stroke, urging greater community awareness to ensure patients reach hospitals promptly without unnecessary delay. BE FAST, an acronym for sudden loss of Balance, changes in Eyesight, drooping of the Face, weakness or numbness in an Arm, difficulty with Speech, and Time (indicating the urgency of seeking immediate medical attention), was emphasized as a simple tool for public awareness.
Around 100 physicians participated in each training session of the Summer School, guided by senior stroke specialists, to provide practical training through workshops, case discussions, and interactions with leading experts.
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