Chennai, October 31, 2025: Rela Hospital unveiled its pioneering Mobile Stroke Care Unit and тАЬNew BeginningsтАЭ, a dedicated support group for stroke survivors, on the occasion of World Stroke Day.
Film director Ms. Aishwarya Rajinikanth officially launched these services in the presence of Prof. Mohamed Rela, Chairman, Rela Hospital; Dr. Shankar Balakrishnan, Clinical Lead, Neurology & Neuro-Sciences, and Dr. Muralidharan Vetrivel, Cerebrovascular Neurosurgeon, Rela Hospital. The event featured leading stroke-care experts sharing inspiring stories of treatments and recovery journeys of patients.
World Stroke Day is observed annually on 29 October to raise global awareness about strokes – their prevention, symptoms, treatment and the support required for survivors. This yearтАЩs theme, as set by the World Stroke Organisation, is #EveryMinuteCounts, putting the spotlight on recognising the warning signs of stroke and acting fast.
The Mobile Stroke Care unit at Rela Hospital will provide rapid-response outreach, including on-site neurological assessment, thrombosis screening, emergency transport coordination, tele-consultation with neurologists and initial rehabilitation counselling. Meanwhile, the тАЬNew BeginningsтАЭ support group will offer stroke survivors and their caregivers a structured platform to connect, share experiences, inspire each other and access guidance on life after stroke.
In his address, Prof. Mohamed Rela said that stroke incidence in India is rising rapidly. Population-based studies report annual stroke incidence between 105 and 152 per 100,000 people. A recent study noted that India recorded over 1.25 million new stroke cases in 2021, marking a 51 % increase over three decades. Stroke-related mortality and disability are also increasing. However, when detected early – during the тАЬgolden hourтАЭ – stroke can often be treated successfully, reducing both death and long-term disability. There is a need for greater public awareness about stroke symptoms, regular screenings and immediate medical support.
He said that the hospital is happy to launch the Mobile Stroke Care Unit, as it enables doctors and paramedics to reach patients within minutes of a stroke, ensuring that life-saving treatment can begin even before the patient reaches the hospital. Likewise, the тАЬNew BeginningsтАЭ support group is a timely community initiative that brings survivors and caregivers together, helping them share coping strategies, regain confidence, promote rehabilitation, and rebuild meaningful lives after stroke.
Dr. Shankar Balakrishnan said that a stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel bursts (haemorrhagic stroke). Risk factors include uncontrolled high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, smoking, obesity and sedentary lifestyle. People at high risk should consider regular vascular screening and work with their physicians to manage risk factors through medications and lifestyle modification.
In his comments, Dr. Muralidharan Vetrivel said, тАЬAt Rela HospitalтАЩs Department of Neurology, we provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of neurological conditions through advanced facilities such as EEG, EMG, Nerve Conduction Studies, and a fully equipped Neurointerventional Cath Lab. Our 24×7 neuroradiology support, neurophysiotherapy and rehabilitation unit, and specialized care in areas like epilepsy, movement disorders, and neuro-oncology ensure patients receive accurate evaluation, timely intervention, and continued support under one roof.тАЭ
Dr K Vijayakarthikeyan IAS graced the occasion as a chief Guest.
Chennai , 29th October 2025 : For many families, a stroke comes without warning and changes life in minutes. But at Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, timely care has rewritten that story for hundreds of people.
At a success meet held on World Stroke Day 2025, the hospital shared the promising outcomes of its 4 1тБД2 – Hour Stroke Reversal Program – a specialized initiative that focuses on treating stroke patients within the crucial early hours after onset.
Over the last two years, Kauvery HospitalтАЩs stroke teams across Chennai have managed 956 stroke cases. Among them, 120+ patients reached the hospital within 4┬╜ hours of the first symptom, and 82+ experienced complete stroke reversal – meaning blood flow to the brain was restored in time to prevent permanent damage.
тАЬWhen a stroke happens, every minute counts. Each passing moment can mean the loss of thousands of brain cells,тАЭ says Dr. Periakaruppan, Interventional Radiologist, Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani. тАЬBut when patients reach us quickly, we can not only save their life – we can save their ability to speak, move, and live independently. Seeing someone walk out of the hospital fully recovered after such a major event is what drives us every single day.тАЭ
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen. Without immediate treatment, brain cells begin to die and the loss can be permanent.
The first 4┬╜ hours are known as the тАЬgolden windowтАЭ – the period during which doctors can either dissolve or remove the clot that causes the stroke. Acting within this window can make the difference between lifelong disability and full recovery.
тАЬStroke treatment is about science, precision, and teamwork,тАЭ explains Dr G Satheesh, Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead, Interventional Radiologist (Neuro), Kauvery Hospital, Radial Road. тАЬThe results we see when patients arrive on time are truly remarkable тАУ they regain their speech, strength, and confidence far quicker. ItтАЩs one of the few conditions where minutes can decide destiny.
The last decade has seen groundbreaking developments in treatment, including intravenous тАЬclot busterтАЭ drugs and mechanical thrombectomy, making it possible to reverse stroke damage if treated early.
KauveryтАЩs Stroke Reversal Units at Alwarpet, Vadapalani, and Radial Road operate round the clock, equipped with advanced imaging facilities, interventional suites, and multidisciplinary teams trained for acute stroke management.
тАЬWeтАЩve seen people walk again, talk again, and return to their work and families – all because they reached us in time,тАЭ shares Dr. Sathya Narayanan. R, Interventional Radiologist, Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet.тАЬThat moment when a patient smiles and says, тАШI feel normal again,тАЩ is the best outcome any doctor could wish for.тАЭ
The hospital also continues to strengthen awareness through community programs and partnerships aimed at improving public understanding of stroke symptoms and response.
тАЬThis is our commitment to Chennai – to act fast, treat right, and give life back,тАЭ says Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals. тАЬOur goal is not just to treat stroke but to change the cityтАЩs response to it. If every citizen can recognize the signs and reach a stroke-ready hospital immediately, we can prevent countless disabilities and save many lives.тАЭ