Mumbai: The Maharashtra Stroke Summit brought together policymakers, medical experts, and healthcare leaders to discuss strategies for improving stroke care delivery and patient outcomes across the state.
Hosted by the Indian Medical Parliamentarians’ Forum (IMPF) in collaboration with the European Business Group and supported by Medtronic as the knowledge partner, the Maharashtra Stroke Summit highlighted urgent priorities for strengthening stroke management infrastructure and expanding access to timely treatment.
The Maharashtra Stroke Summit comes at a time when stroke remains a significant public health challenge in India. Stroke is currently the fourth leading cause of death and the fifth leading cause of disability nationwide.
In Maharashtra, the situation is particularly concerning, as the state ranks among the top ten in India in terms of deaths and disabilities caused by stroke.
These statistics emphasize the urgent need for increased public awareness, early diagnosis, and improved healthcare infrastructure to ensure prompt treatment for stroke patients.
Despite advancements in stroke care technologies supported by public–private partnerships, several challenges persist. Experts at the Maharashtra Stroke Summit highlighted that many patients across India reach hospitals too late due to low awareness of stroke warning signs, a shortage of stroke-trained medical professionals, limited availability of specialized stroke facilities, and the high cost of treatment. These factors continue to restrict timely access to proven stroke therapies for many patients.
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Maharashtra Stroke Summit: Key Discussions on Clinical Evidence in Stroke Management in India
Dr. Neeraj Jain, Head of Department at King Edward Memorial Hospital, presented insights from the ICMR and PRAAN study during a session titled “Clinical Evidence in Stroke Management in India.”
Another session titled “Impact of Inclusion of Stroke Treatment under MJPJAY and Support Needed” was presented by Dr. Nitin N. Dange, Professor and Unit Head at King Edward Memorial Hospital.
Through these discussions, the Maharashtra Stroke Summit focused on identifying critical gaps in stroke care delivery while exploring sustainable solutions to strengthen healthcare systems.
Key conversations centered around strategic approaches to establishing and strengthening stroke centers across the state to ensure timely, effective, and equitable access to high-quality stroke care.
Prakashrao Abitkar, Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare, Government of Maharashtra, said, “Stroke remains one of the leading causes of mortality and long-term disability, not only in India but across the globe. Recognizing its profound public health and socioeconomic impact, the Government of India has undertaken a transformative step by incorporating comprehensive stroke care packages under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
These packages encompass critical interventions such as thrombolysis, management in dedicated stroke care units, and mechanical thrombectomy. This strategic inclusion marks a significant milestone in strengthening the nation’s healthcare architecture. By expanding access to advanced, time-sensitive stroke therapies and reducing the financial burden on patients and their families, the initiative reinforces the principles of equity and affordability in healthcare delivery.”
Anil Bonde, Member of Rajya Sabha and Chairperson of the Indian Medical Parliamentarians’ Forum, emphasized the need for coordinated action to strengthen stroke care networks. Speaking at the Maharashtra Stroke Summit, he said, “The Maharashtra Stroke Summit marks an important step toward building a more responsive and equitable stroke care ecosystem in our state. Stroke remains one of India’s most pressing public health challenges, and the growing burden – particularly in urban centres like Mumbai – demands urgent, coordinated, and systemic action.
While advancements in technology and clinical capabilities are encouraging, we must collectively address persistent barriers and focus on developing sustainable, scalable solutions that strengthen stroke-ready networks, expand access to time-sensitive therapies, and ensure that every patient – irrespective of geography or economic status – receives timely and high-quality care.”
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Prateek Tiwari, Senior Director, Neuroscience and Specialty Therapies at Medtronic India, said during the Maharashtra Stroke Summit, “Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) represent an effective and sustainable model for advancing stroke management across Maharashtra.
By enabling greater awareness, ensuring rapid turnaround times, delivering high-quality clinical care, and leveraging strong technological capabilities, PPPs can significantly strengthen stroke care systems at the state and national level. These efforts are instrumental in ensuring optimal patient outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of stroke care delivery.”
The Maharashtra Stroke Summit was attended by several prominent experts and healthcare leaders. The distinguished panel included Dr. Rashmi Saraf, Professor of Interventional Neuroradiology at King Edward Memorial Hospital; Dr. Ravindrakumar Shetye, Assistant Director of Health Services at the State Health Authority, Maharashtra; Dr. Neeraj Jain, Head of Department at King Edward Memorial Hospital; Dr. Avinash Gutte from Sir J. J. Hospital; and Dr. Batuk Diyora from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital.
