BR Life SSNMC Hospital launches SSNMC – BRAINS Center of Excellence (CoE) for Stroke Management

• CoE launched on the occasion of World Stroke Day

Bengaluru, 29^thOctober 2018: BR Life SSNMC Hospital today launched the SSNMC-BRAINS Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Stroke Management, on the occasion of World Stroke Day Marking the occasion, a unique Postage stamp was also released in collaboration with The Department of Posts, Government of India. An online platform, where in one can fill in medical details and get details on the level of risk of stroke was also unveiled at the event. The postage stamp, one of the first ever initiatives carried by a healthcare chain in India, was released by  M N Venkatachaliah, Former Chief Justice of India and Dr. Charles Lobo, Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle, released today.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and the third most common cause of death in India.  In a year 18 to 21 million people are affected by stroke in India. Due to blood vessel abnormality, genetic abnormality or lifestyle factors, there is a rise in the occurrence of the condition among the younger generation between the age group of 25-30 years. The most prominent causes for stroke are, high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, sleep apnea, smoking, alcoholism, sedentary and high stress lifestyle.  Maintaining healthy balanced lifestyle and vitals can help prevent and reduce the chance of occurrence of stroke.

Unfortunately, most people are unaware that stroke is not a one-time occurrence.  Around 25% of the victims suffer from recurrent stroke attack during their lifetime if not adequately monitored.  There are various recent advancements in treatment of stroke but they are often ignored due to the mixed treatment methods practiced in India.

Speaking at the event Mr. Venkatachaliah, Former Chief Justice of India, said “I feel privileged to be invited for today`s event. We have seen cases of stroke rising in India. Even today many people are not aware of the early signs of stroke. Every 10 second, one person is dying due to stroke as there is lack of awareness and the expensive treatment. Corporates and hospitals should set an example to sponsor an inexpensive insurance, which can be easily available for poor people as well.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. N K Venkataramana, Chief Neurosurgeon, BR Life SSNMC-BRAINS NEUROSCIENCES CENTER of EXCELLENCE, RR Nagar, Bengaluru, said “Stroke is a preventable condition; therefore, it is important to identify the risk factors. The first three hours during stroke known as the Golden Hour is an important period.  Ideally, the patient should be treated within the golden hour for a better outcome and avoid long term problems. It is important to create awareness that the first point of treatment must be through medical therapy and alternate therapy can be complimentary for rehabilitation.” said,

Talking about the launch of the center of excellence Colonel Hemraj Singh Parmar, Group CEO of BR Life  says “We are thrilled to partner with the Department of Posts to raise awareness about such a critical health condition. The BR Life SSNMC CoE aims to identify cases of acute and chronic stroke, with continual monitoring to prevent attacks of secondary stroke and rehabilitation to help patients get back on their feet at the earliest. We believe this will play a critical role in enhancing the lives of our patients”.

Taking forward the philosophy of Care with Compassion, BR Life by starting the CoE in Stroke Management takes another step forward towards achieving the objective of providing advanced, accessible, affordable worldclass healthcare in India.