GUNTUR: Making a strong case for equitable and accessible stroke care across India, Dr P. Vijaya, President of the Indian Stroke Association (ISA), urged the establishment of dedicated stroke units in every district during her address at the 17th World Stroke Congress (WSC 2025) held in Barcelona, Spain, from October 22 to 24.
Delivering a talk on “Challenges and Solutions in Developing a Stroke Unit in Every District in India” in a joint session organised by the World Stroke Organization (WSO) and ISA, Dr Vijaya highlighted the growing public health burden posed by stroke in India and the urgent need to expand stroke infrastructure and services nationwide. She noted that while urban regions have made progress in acute stroke care, vast rural areas still lack timely diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation facilities — a gap that requires immediate policy and institutional attention.
Dr Vijaya outlined a practical framework to achieve the goal of district-level stroke units, emphasising low-cost, scalable models that can be integrated into existing healthcare systems. She proposed collaborative efforts involving state governments, the National Health Mission, and public–private partnerships to build capacity, train specialists, and ensure round-the-clock access to thrombolytic therapy and rehabilitation.
Recognising her leadership and sustained commitment to stroke care, the World Stroke Organization conferred on Dr Vijaya the Diamond Status Award for Excellence in Stroke Care for the fifth consecutive year — a rare honour among global peers.
The Congress, which brought together over 3,000 delegates from more than 100 countries, included neurologists, researchers, clinicians, and policymakers who discussed the latest advancements in stroke science and treatment.
Among the major research highlights were the CATALYST-TNK Project, which validated tenecteplase as non-inferior to alteplase for acute ischaemic stroke within 4.5 hours; the OCEANIC-STROKE trial, which explored asundexian’s potential post-stroke; the IDEAL Study, which demonstrated AI’s growing accuracy in aneurysm detection; and the STABLED Study, which examined catheter ablation outcomes for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients on edoxaban.
Dr Vijaya’s participation at WSC 2025 underscored India’s growing influence in global neurological research and its commitment to making stroke care equitable and accessible to all.
Samdani MN is Editor (Politics-Andhra Pradesh), at the Times of I...
Read MoreSamdani MN is Editor (Politics-Andhra Pradesh), at the Times of India-Vijayawada. He covers political affairs in the state with a special focus on TDP, YSRCP and BJP. He has authority over irrigation, revenue, energy, excise, inter-state affairs, education, health, tourism and industries. He holds a postgraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and a degree in Law.
Read Less
Start a Conversation
Post comment