Health Ministry: More Neurologists, Telemedicine Needed to Combat Stroke in India

New Delhi: The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry emphasized the urgent need to increase the number of neurologists and leverage digital health technologies, such as telemedicine, to address the rising burden of strokes in India. According to IANS, stroke has become a major health crisis in the country, with over 1.8 million new cases reported annually. This makes stroke one of the leading causes of disability and death, placing a significant emotional and financial strain on patients and their families.

Dr. K. Madan Gopal, Advisor to the National Health Systems Resource Centre, highlighted the importance of a multi-faceted approach to tackling stroke care in India. Speaking at the 2nd Edition of the National Stroke Conclave and Awards, Dr. Gopal emphasized the need for better prevention, early diagnosis, and a stronger healthcare infrastructure. While initiatives such as hypertension and diabetes screening under the National Programme for Non-Communicable Diseases have made a difference, the real challenge lies in building the capacity to handle the increasing number of stroke cases. This includes increasing the number of neurologists and incorporating digital health solutions to reach underserved populations, especially in rural areas. As per IANS, Gopal also stressed that leveraging telemedicine could play a critical role in expanding access to care.

Dr. Gopal also called for a unified effort from both the public and private sectors to bridge existing gaps in stroke prevention and management. According to IANS, he further emphasized that collective efforts are needed to create a sustainable impact and ensure timely treatment for those at risk of strokes.

World Stroke Organisation President Dr. Jeyaraj Pandian addressed the need for equitable healthcare services for stroke patients across the country. He pointed out that while the World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized stroke surveillance as a priority, gathering reliable data on stroke-related mortality remains a significant challenge. Inputs from IANS highlight that regional disparities in stroke care also need to be addressed to ensure that people in every part of India have access to quality care. Dr. Pandian called for comprehensive stroke care approaches that include rehabilitation and prevention programs both locally and globally.

In India, stroke is responsible for over 1.2 million deaths each year. Despite being one of the most preventable health conditions, stroke continues to claim a large number of lives. As per IANS, experts stress the need for greater awareness campaigns to encourage timely treatment and reduce the mortality and disability rates associated with strokes.

As the country faces this growing health challenge, experts agree that strengthening the healthcare workforce and embracing technological innovations are essential to improving stroke care and outcomes in India.