The Indian Medical Parliamentarians Forum (IMPF), a cross-party platform of medical professionals in Parliament, today issued a strong call for comprehensive and urgent action to address the growing burden of stroke in India.
In a public statement signed by IMPF Chairperson Dr. Anil Bonde and fellow MPs Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi, Dr. V Kalanidhi, Dr. Jashvantsinh Parmar, Dr. Byreddy Shabari, and Dr. Kavya Kadiyam, the Forum described stroke as a “silent epidemic” that demands national-level priority in public health policy, infrastructure development, and healthcare innovation.
“Stroke is not just a health emergency; it is a national crisis,” said Dr. Bonde. “It affects every part of society, from working-age individuals to the elderly, causing both emotional distress and economic loss. We must act now to ensure that every Indian has access to timely, affordable, and quality stroke care.”
The Scope of the Crisis
India faces an alarming stroke burden, with one person experiencing a stroke every 40 seconds and one stroke-related death every four minutes. Stroke accounts for nearly 7 per cent of all deaths in the country and remains one of the leading causes of disability. Despite the increasing availability of advanced treatments, much of India’s population—especially in rural and semi-urban areas—lacks access to timely diagnosis and effective interventions such as thrombolysis or thrombectomy.
Key Areas for Immediate Action
The IMPF has outlined a comprehensive framework for addressing the stroke epidemic under six key pillars
Strengthening Preventive Measures
Prevention must be the first line of defense. IMPF urges governments to:
Launch nationwide awareness campaigns on risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and smoking.
Promote community-based programs that encourage healthy diets and physical activity.
Equip primary healthcare centres with resources for early screening and preventive counselling.
Enhancing Access to Stroke Care
Current stroke care facilities are concentrated in urban centres. IMPF recommends:
Establishing stroke-ready hospitals and dedicated stroke units at the district level.
Leveraging public-private partnerships and telemedicine to expand reach.
Including advanced stroke interventions in the public health infrastructure, with particular attention to underserved regions.
Building Capacity in the Healthcare Workforce
To address the shortage of trained professionals, the Forum calls for:
Standardised stroke management training programs for healthcare providers.
Scholarships and incentives to encourage specialisation in neurology and interventional radiology.
Collaboration with institutions like the World Stroke Organisation for professional education modules.
Policy Support and Resource Allocation
A robust policy framework is essential. IMPF urges:
Stroke to be prioritised under schemes like Ayushman Bharat, with accessible treatment packages.
Dedicated budgetary allocations at both state and national levels for stroke prevention, care, and rehabilitation.
Adoption of hub-and-spoke models to ensure resource-efficient care delivery.
Driving Innovation and Research
Policymakers must encourage innovation to meet India’s unique healthcare challenges:
Funding research on affordable, indigenous diagnostic and rehabilitation tools.
Promoting AI-based early diagnosis and mobile stroke units for rapid intervention.
Encouraging industry-academia collaboration for innovation in stroke care.
Rehabilitation and Social Support
Post-stroke recovery is critical to restoring quality of life. IMPF advocates:
Expanding access to affordable physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support.
Creating caregiver training programs and survivor support networks.
Introducing policies that address the socio-economic challenges faced by stroke survivors.
Promoting State-Level Leadership and Harmonised Standards
IMPF emphasised that while national leadership is critical, much of the success in stroke care will depend on state-level implementation. Some states have introduced promising models, such as mobile stroke units, telethrombolysis protocols, and community outreach programs. However, disparities in infrastructure and care standards remain stark.
“We need inter-state learning and collaboration,” said Dr. Byreddy Shabari, MP. “By documenting and sharing successful practices, and leveraging centrally sponsored schemes, we can ensure that no region is left behind.”
Innovation and Collaborative Models for Better Outcomes
Highlighting global best practices and recent Indian innovations, IMPF endorsed the adoption of hub-and-spoke models that link smaller healthcare centres with advanced stroke hubs using telemedicine, remote training, and rapid referral systems.
“Transforming stroke care delivery in India requires innovation, technology, and teamwork,” said Dr. Kavya Kadiyam, MP. “We must invest in mobile stroke units, AI-driven diagnostics, and real-time remote consultation platforms to address delays in stroke response.”
The IMPF’s Role and Commitment
Founded in 2006 and currently comprising 45 MPs from both Houses of Parliament, IMPF functions as a bridge between the medical fraternity and legislative policymaking. IMPF continues to champion patient-centric, innovation-driven healthcare policy.
“Stroke care is one of the top national health priorities for us at IMPF,” said Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi, MP. “We are working closely with the Ministry, medical associations, industry, and civil society to shape responsive, inclusive, and effective healthcare policy.”
A Call to Action
In closing, Dr. Bonde appealed to all stakeholders—government agencies, healthcare providers, civil society, and the private sector—to unite behind a national mission to combat stroke.
“With every four minutes costing a life, time is not on our side,” he said. “We urge the Government to act now. Let us commit to making stroke care accessible, affordable, and effective for all Indians.”
