Apollo Hospitals has launched an AI-assisted stroke care programme on World Stroke Day, integrating emergency assessment, specialised neurological treatment, intensive care, rehabilitation and home-based follow-up into a coordinated pathway for stroke patients.

The programme aims to support faster assessment and timely intervention, both of which are critical in stroke management. It combines advanced neuro-intensive care unit (neuro-ICU) monitoring with MRI-integrated operating theatre capabilities, where applicable, to support specialised treatment.

According to Apollo Hospitals, the programme includes 5G-connected ambulances, rapid stroke assessment, thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy for eligible patients. Thrombolysis uses medication to dissolve blood clots, while mechanical thrombectomy involves physically removing a clot from a blocked blood vessel in the brain.

Selected patients with large-vessel blockages may be considered for mechanical thrombectomy up to 24 hours after symptom onset, depending on clinical assessment and brain imaging findings. The treatment window is not applicable to every patient; eligibility depends on the type of stroke, the location of the blockage and the amount of brain tissue that can still be saved.
Dr Suresh Girgani, Consultant Neurointerventional Radiologist at Apollo Hospitals, said the programme’s 360-degree approach connects emergency assessment, advanced neuro-intensive care, rehabilitation and home-based follow-up to support recovery.

Dr Sandeep Nayani, Consultant Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, highlighted the role of emergency and interventional services in improving access to timely treatment. The hospital emphasised that recognising symptoms early and seeking immediate medical assistance remain essential to reducing the risk of severe disability and other complications.
Stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or bleeding. Delays in treatment can lead to permanent brain damage, making rapid diagnosis, appropriate imaging and access to specialist teams particularly important.

Apollo Hospitals has urged the public to treat suspected stroke as a medical emergency and seek immediate assistance. The hospital has also highlighted its stroke emergency helpline, 1066, for patients requiring guidance.

The programme reflects a broader shift towards integrated stroke care, in which emergency transport, imaging, specialist intervention and rehabilitation are coordinated rather than delivered as disconnected services. Its impact will depend on timely access, clinical eligibility, the availability of trained specialists and continuity of care after discharge.