Save the Brain: A National Movement to Transform Stroke Care in India

Dear Members of the Indian Stroke Association and Colleagues in Neurosciences,

Warm greetings to all.

It is a great honour and privilege to assume the responsibility of serving as the President of the Indian Stroke Association. I sincerely thank each one of you for the trust and confidence placed in me. I also take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the remarkable work done by our past presidents and leaders who have built a strong and vibrant organization dedicated to improving stroke care in India.

Stroke continues to be one of the leading causes of death and disability in our country. Yet, the encouraging reality is that stroke is both preventable and treatable when recognized early and managed appropriately. Every day, as clinicians and neuroscientists, we witness how timely recognition and intervention can change the course of a patient's life — saving not only the brain, but also the dignity, independence, and future of families.

Despite remarkable scientific advances, the challenge before us in India remains substantial. According to recent data from ICMR studies, intravenous thrombolysis is delivered in less than 5% of stroke patients, and mechanical thrombectomy in less than 1%. In contrast, nearby developed countries such as Singapore have treatment rates approaching 30%. These numbers remind us that the science already exists — our responsibility now is to ensure that this science reaches every patient who needs it.

With this perspective, the focus during my tenure will be on awareness, education, collaboration, and action to strengthen stroke care across India.

Save the Brain – A National Awareness Initiative

One of the central initiatives during this year will be "Save the Brain."

The message is simple, clear, and powerful:
Stroke is preventable. Stroke is treatable.

Through this national initiative, we aim to improve awareness among the general public as well as physicians who may not yet fully recognize the urgency of stroke care. Public education, physician engagement, and collaborative efforts across healthcare systems will be key components of this initiative. By spreading the message that "Time is Brain," we hope to ensure that more patients reach hospitals in time to receive life-saving treatments.

Centenary Celebration of Cerebral Angiogram – A Tribute to Dr. Egas Moniz

The coming year also marks the centenary of cerebral angiography, first performed in 1927 by the visionary neurologist Egas Moniz. This landmark discovery transformed our understanding of the cerebral circulation and laid the foundation for modern neurovascular imaging and intervention.

To commemorate this historic milestone in neuroscience, the Indian Stroke Association plans to organize 100 Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs across India. These programs will strengthen academic exchange, encourage multidisciplinary collaboration, and inspire the next generation of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, stroke specialists and Neurointerventionists.

Working Together for the Future

India stands at an important moment in its history as we move toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. Strengthening healthcare systems and reducing the burden of diseases such as stroke will be essential in achieving this vision.

The Indian Stroke Association will continue to work toward improving stroke prevention, public awareness, timely treatment, and rehabilitation across the country. However, this mission cannot be achieved by individuals alone. It requires the collective strength, wisdom, and commitment of the entire neuroscience community.

I warmly invite all ISA members, neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, Neurointerventionists, physicians, nurses, emergency teams, and allied healthcare professionals to join hands in this mission. Together, we can build stronger stroke systems of care, empower young clinicians, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions of Indians.

Stroke is preventable. Stroke is treatable. Through awareness, science, and collective action, we can save millions of brains and lives across India.

Dear Esteemed Indian Stroke Association (ISA) Members,

As the Secretary, it is my responsibility to ensure effective communication with all our ISA members.

Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to each one of you for your continued support and dedication to our mission of stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation across India. Your commitment plays a vital role in our collective efforts to combat stroke-related challenges in our communities.

I am pleased to inform you that our association has been actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at raising awareness about stroke prevention. From organizing educational campaigns to facilitating training programs for healthcare professionals, we have been striving to make a positive impact on the landscape of stroke care in our country.

In line with our commitment to promoting excellence in stroke research and clinical practice, we have achieved long cherished goals which include:

a) National Stroke Accreditation Program
b) Clinical Stroke Fellowship (FNB) for 2 years by National Board Examinations (NBE)
c) Joint Academic Sessions with ISC – American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) and many others.

These platforms will serve as valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking, and skill enhancement within the stroke community.

As we move forward, I assure you that the Indian Stroke Association remains dedicated to advancing the field of stroke medicine and enhancing the quality of care for individuals affected by stroke. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for stroke patients and their families.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support and collaboration. Should you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me or any member of the executive committee.

Jai Hind!!!