Guwahati’s GNRC Hospitals made a significant contribution to the promotion of stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery by hosting a press conference on World Stroke Day 2023. The event, which took place at the GNRC Dispur premises, brought together the hospital’s dedicated Stroke Care team to shed light on the alarming prevalence of stroke in Assam and the critical importance of early intervention and awareness.
Awareness on Stroke Prevention and Treatment By GNRC
According to Dr. Rupjyoti Das, Senior Consultant in the Department of Neurology at GNRC Dispur, “Out of every four family members, one is at risk of having a stroke in their lifetime.” This staggering statistic underscores the urgency of addressing the issue of stroke, which affects millions of people globally. The World Health Organization reports that 15 million people suffer from strokes each year worldwide, with 5 million losing their lives, and another 5 million left permanently disabled.
In Assam alone, more than 72,000 strokes occur annually, making it a pressing public health concern. It’s estimated that 1 in every 4 individuals may experience a stroke during their lifetime. Fortunately, Dr. Das emphasized that 90% of stroke cases can be prevented, and this is where awareness and education play a pivotal role.
GNRC Hospitals is committed to raising awareness about the early signs of stroke, often summarized as F.A.S.T.:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech slurred
- Time to call an ambulance
Recognizing these symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly can significantly reduce the impact of stroke on individuals and their families. Dr. Das stressed the importance of educating people about preventive measures and treatment options to combat this devastating condition. Lifestyle modifications such as adopting a healthy diet, quitting smoking and alcohol, regular physical activity, and weight management can go a long way in stroke prevention.
Furthermore, Dr. Das pointed out that vigilance against five lifestyle diseases, namely hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and stress and depression, is crucial to reducing the risk of stroke.
How Important Is Accurate Treatment?
In addition to prevention, timely and accurate treatment is vital to saving lives. Stroke-ready hospitals, equipped with the necessary infrastructure to manage various stroke interventions at any time of day, play a critical role. GNRC Hospitals stands out as the only Stroke-ready hospital in Northeast India, underscoring its commitment to stroke care.
During the press conference, Interventional Radiologist Dr. Firdaus Ahmed and Neurosurgeon Dr. Inamul Haque from GNRC elaborated on various treatment options for stroke, covering neurological, interventional, and surgical aspects. Their expertise in this field reaffirms GNRC’s dedication to providing comprehensive and advanced healthcare solutions.
Dr. Das expressed the importance of media’s role in disseminating the message of preventive healthcare and early intervention to the masses. He called upon the media to support their mission of “Health for All, Smiles for All,” highlighting that only by working together can we build a healthier and happier society.
GNRC Hospitals, founded by Dr. Nomal Chandra Borah in 1987, is a pioneering super-specialty healthcare center in Northeast India. With five hospitals and over 700 beds, GNRC is committed to delivering advanced healthcare with a patient-centric approach. Their state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated healthcare professionals provide comprehensive and compassionate care.
In addition to patient care, GNRC is dedicated to medical research and education, collaborating with renowned institutions and participating in clinical trials to advance treatments. Their unwavering commitment to quality healthcare has earned them trust and respect within the medical community.
