Mumbai: Stroke is the third leading cause of death in India, with the incidence of neurological disorders doubling in the recent past. According to the Indian Stroke Association, the incidence of stroke has increased by almost 100% in the past few decades. With the incidence of stroke being higher in men than women, experts attribute this increase to many lifestyle factors such as sedentary lifestyle, unmanageable blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, cardiac ailment, and stress which is now seen exceedingly increasing in the Police force considering the hectic lifestyle and their motto- ‘Duty comes first’. During the pandemic, the incredible efforts of the Mumbai Police department to maintain the law and order in this city that has the highest population density took an immense toll on the health of police personnel making them more susceptible to stroke. To address the need to provide a detailed outlook on Stroke Management, Global Hospital, Parel, Mumbai has launched a campaign “#NoStrokeForMe” on the eve of World Stroke Day.
The campaign launch of “#NoStrokeForMe” was graced by Vishwas Nangare-Patil, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) as Chief Guest and renowned Marathi actor Ashok Saraf as Guest of Honour. Dr. Shirish Hastak, the first doctor to set up a stroke unit in Western India, and Dr. Nitin Dange among the top 3 in the city for his skills in Advanced Interventional Neurology addressed the police force, shedding light on the importance of creating awareness on stroke, laying emphasis on 4-and-a-half-hour window period to save a life, extended window period of 24 hours in selected stroke patients and other steps to prevent disability in a patient suffering from a stroke. The last line will be this- This event was relayed online through the Zoom platform which made it available for 1000+ police personnel who were unable to attend the event due to hectic work schedules.
As a part of the World Stroke Day, celebrated on 29th October worldwide, Global Hospital, Parel, Mumbai organized a public awareness drive to accentuate the serious nature and high rates of Stroke, raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of the condition and ensure better care and support for survivors.
The hospital also felicitated real-life heroes who brought their loved ones on time and kept in mind the window period for stroke. Dr Shirish Hastak, Regional Director Neurology, Stroke, and Critical Care, Global Hospital, Parel, Mumbai said, “A stroke in the human body occurs when the supply of blood and oxygen is interrupted and hence it is time-sensitive. At the event today, we felicitated family members and caregivers of stroke patients who recognized the symptoms and rushed them to the hospital well in time ensuring that they were administered effective treatment at the right time. Timely action helped save the life of patients from varied ages.”
Dr. Nitin Dange, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon stated, “Mechanical Thrombectomy today has become a boon to stroke patients as it has extended the window period from 4 and half hours to 24 hours in selected stroke patients. Today in this event we are seeing these stroke patients hale and hearty; sharing their experiences which is an ultimate testimony to the success of advances in Neurosciences”
Speaking on the occasion of World Stroke Day, Dr Vivek Talaulikar – CEO Global Hospital, Parel, Mumbai said, “In this pandemic, we have seen a phenomenal rise of prevalence of stroke in the younger population below 50 years of age, than the pre-pandemic era and this is a sombre cause of concern. Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability and contributes to 65% of disability in Stroke survivors resulting in unemployment, thereby adversely affecting the economy of the country. Global Hospital, Parel, Mumbai is fortified to manage all kinds of stroke with well-experienced Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, and best-in-class imaging and Cath Lab facilities. In every stroke case time plays the most significant role hence Global Hospital, Parel, Mumbai has introduced Zero Deposit on admission for acute stroke patients.”
A senior and eminent dignitary from Mumbai Police Vishwas Nangare-Patil said, “Our department is more prone to stroke as most of them are suffering from lifestyle disorders like high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and Stress. When a Police officer gets a stroke and is disabled it’s his employment at stake that directly affects everything from daily household expenses to the education of children in the house. I appreciate that Global Hospital, Parel, Mumbai has initiated an event for public awareness and they started from the Police department. I hope everything that has been spoken by the doctors today is imbibed in the police force who are present here and watching the event online. Spread awareness #NoStrokeForMe”
Renowned Marathi Actor Ashok Saraf said, “Film industry has suffered huge financial losses in this pandemic leaving many unemployed that has led to stress and other lifestyle disorders. I appreciate the efforts of Global Hospital, Parel, Mumbai for creating stroke awareness, and moreover the prevention points and BEFAST is what I will carry with me and cascade across. If you can prevent stroke you will save yourself from this disorder and if you recognize in time you will save your dear one’s life.”
