1 year ago
Stroke Crisis in Kolkata: Urgent Action Needed to Save Lives
Imagine a sudden problem in your brain that can cause serious damage, called a stroke.
It's like a traffic jam in your brain's blood vessels, stopping important things from getting where they need to go.
Strokes can happen to anyone, not just old people.
In Kolkata, it's a big problem because people often don't get to the hospital fast enough.
Doctors are working hard to teach people the warning signs (like trouble with balance, vision, face, arm, or speech).
The quicker someone gets help, the better the chances of recovery.
They are also training doctors and creating programs like 'Time to Act' to spread the word and get people the help they need, faster.
West Bengal has the highest 'disability adjusted life year' for stroke in India.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, especially affecting Kolkata.
Many stroke patients arrive at hospitals too late for effective treatment.
Lifestyle changes can prevent up to 80% of strokes; awareness of warning signs is crucial.
The 'Time to Act' campaign aims to improve early recognition and timely medical intervention.
- Who
- Indian Stroke Association (ISA) and Kolkata residents.
- What
- A public health crisis involving brain strokes, particularly in Kolkata.
- Where
- Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
- When
- Ongoing, with the 'Time to Act' campaign currently underway.
- Why
- To reduce stroke-related deaths and disabilities by improving response times, awareness, and medical care.
Key facts
- Location with Highest Stroke Burden
- West Bengal, India
- Key Campaign
- Time to Act
- Warning Signs
- BE FAST (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time)
- Preventability
- Up to 80% preventable with lifestyle changes
- Critical Timeframe
- First 4.5 hours after symptoms appear
- Initiative
- Stroke Summer School 2025
Quotes
Dr Jayanta Roy
Organising secretary, Indian Stroke Association (ISA) and neurologist at Manipal Hospital
“Stroke affects people in their most productive years irrespective of their age and impacts families socially and economically in Kolkata.”
thestatesman.com
“Beyond the financial stress, untreated and late treated strokes often leave patients permanently disabled creating lifelong challenges.”
thestatesman.com
