GNRC launches stroke prevention awareness drive in Morigaon; 1,592 cases reported annually in district

With stroke cases rising alarmingly across Assam and the rest of the world, GNRC Hospital organised a stroke prevention awareness programme and press conference at the Morigaon Press Club as part of its public outreach initiative. January is being observed as “Stroke Prevention and Awareness Month” by the hospital to educate people about the risks, early symptoms and prevention of stroke.

 

According to data shared during the programme, around 1,592 people are affected by stroke every year in Morigaon district alone. Across Assam, the annual figure stands at approximately 72,000 cases, meaning nearly 200 people suffer a stroke every day. Globally, about 15 million people are affected by stroke each year, of whom five million die and another five million are left permanently disabled.

 

Addressing the media, Dr Alfarid Shahid Ali, Neurologist at GNRC Dispur, and Dr Ram Kumar Goel, Neurosurgeon at GNRC North Guwahati, stressed that stroke is a medical emergency where every minute counts. They explained that once blood flow to the brain is interrupted, brain cells begin to die rapidly. Hence, patients must be taken to a “stroke-ready” hospital within the first three hours, known as the golden hour, for effective treatment.

 

The doctors urged the public to remember the F.A.S.T. method to identify stroke symptoms:
    •    F (Face): Drooping on one side of the face
    •    A (Arm): Weakness or numbness in the arm
    •    S (Speech): Slurred or unclear speech
    •    T (Time): Immediate transfer to hospital without delay

 

The specialists highlighted that nearly 90 percent of strokes are preventable. Major risk factors include uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, lack of physical activity, stress, smoking and alcohol consumption. Regular health check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk.

 

Rasidul Islam, head of GNRC Ambulance Services, spoke on the importance of pre-hospital care and rapid ambulance response in saving lives. He also informed that GNRC Hospital provides round-the-clock neurologists, ICU support, CT scan facilities and advanced neurovascular laboratory services.

 

Through the press conference, GNRC doctors appealed to the media to help spread this life-saving awareness message among the general public to reduce stroke-related deaths and disabilities in the region.