The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, has certified Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad and Aster Hospital in Calicut as India's first Comprehensive Stroke Centers, marking a significant advancement in the country's approach to stroke treatment and care. This certification comes at a critical time as stroke represents a major health challenge in India, ranking as the fourth leading cause of death and fifth leading cause of disability nationwide. The certification process involves thorough evaluation by Association surveyors who assess whether hospitals meet or exceed required standards for advanced stroke care.
To achieve this certification, both hospitals demonstrated rigorous compliance with standards including advanced imaging capabilities, 24/7 availability of specialized treatments, active participation in stroke research, and comprehensive training for specialized medical staff. D.P. Suresh, M.D., a volunteer member of the American Heart Association's International Committee, emphasized the importance of implementing science-based methods in stroke assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to improve patient outcomes and reduce the overall impact of stroke on individuals and communities.
The certification establishes two distinct classifications for stroke care facilities in India: Comprehensive Stroke Centers and Primary Stroke Centers. While Comprehensive Stroke Centers must meet extensive requirements for managing complex stroke cases, Primary Stroke Centers focus specifically on acute ischemic stroke treatment and maintain established transfer protocols for more complex cases. This tiered system creates a coordinated approach to stroke care that can potentially save lives and reduce long-term disability by ensuring patients receive appropriate treatment at the right facility.
These certifications are part of a broader initiative by the American Heart Association to improve healthcare standards globally through programs like the Comprehensive Chest Pain certification currently being piloted. The achievement by Apollo Hospital and Aster Hospital represents a significant step forward in Indian healthcare, potentially setting new benchmarks for stroke care and patient treatment that could influence standards across the country's healthcare system. By implementing these internationally recognized standards, Indian hospitals can enhance their stroke care capabilities and contribute to reducing the substantial burden stroke places on the nation's health resources and population.
