Manipal Hospitals has unveiled its 'Be Stroke Smart' campaign, a community-focused initiative designed to increase stroke awareness, early detection, and preparedness in Kolkata.
Launched in honour of World Stroke Day, observed annually on October 29, the campaign aims to educate the public on recognising the early signs of stroke and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.
The campaign launch featured insights from leading neurologists and neurosurgeons across Manipal Hospitals, including Dr. Rabindra Narayan Bhattacharya, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Manipal Hospitals Dhakuria; Dr. L.N. Tripathy, Senior Vice Chairman at Medica Institute of Neurological Diseases (MIND), now part of Manipal Hospitals; Dr. Apratim Chatterjee, Interventional Neurologist at Manipal Hospitals Mukundapur; Dr. Nirmalya Ray, Neuro Interventional Radiologist at Medica Superspecialty Hospital; and Dr. Dipendra Kumar Pradhan, Senior Consultant in Neurosurgery at Manipal Hospitals Mukundapur. Addressing the increasing incidence of strokes, especially among younger individuals, these experts emphasised the critical need for public awareness and immediate response to stroke symptoms.
The 'Be Stroke Smart' campaign comprises a citywide awareness drive, outreach programs, and specialised training sessions in residential complexes and among senior citizen groups. These efforts aim to build a network of informed first responders and provide training in early stroke recognition. With support from advanced stroke-care infrastructure, Manipal Hospitals’ units in Kolkata are equipped with specialised neurosurgery ICUs and HDUs and operate a 24/7 fleet of ‘stroke-ready’ ambulances to ensure immediate and expert care from the point of emergency.
A key feature of the campaign includes a unique training program for ambulance drivers, equipping them with skills to identify potential stroke symptoms and ensure rapid transport to stroke-ready facilities. Highlighting the campaign’s objective, Dr. Ayanabh DebGupta, Regional COO of Manipal Hospitals (East), said, “Our vision is to empower the community with knowledge and resources for stroke prevention, early detection, and prompt response. With ‘Be Stroke Smart’, we aim to establish a stroke-ready ecosystem in Eastern India where every citizen is equipped to recognize and respond to stroke symptoms swiftly.”
Dr. R.N. Bhattacharya, Neurosurgeon at Manipal Hospitals Dhakuria, echoed the significance of the campaign: "Every minute matters in stroke care. Through our dedicated facilities and trained specialists, we are committed to delivering comprehensive stroke care, from emergency response to rehabilitation. The ‘Be Stroke Smart’ initiative allows us to spread this vital message to a broader audience."
Dr. L.N. Tripathy, Senior Vice Chairman of MIND, now part of Manipal Hospitals, emphasised the troubling rise of stroke among younger people, with nearly 10-15 per cent of strokes occurring in individuals between 18-50 years old due to lifestyle factors and undetected symptoms. He added, “This campaign focuses on prevention over treatment, as public education on risks and early symptoms can significantly reduce stroke incidence.”
With stroke rates climbing in India—up by 43 per cent between 1990 and 2019, particularly among those aged 25-50—Manipal Hospitals’ ‘Be Stroke Smart’ campaign represents an urgent call to action. Through targeted public education and rapid response resources, the initiative seeks to shape Kolkata into a stroke-smart city, paving the way for enhanced stroke care across the region.
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