Patna: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, has proposed developing a facility with at least 10 beds for stroke patients and establishing a dedicated Stroke Centre to provide timely and specialised treatment.
The proposal was highlighted during ‘SPARK 2026’, organised by the Department of Neurology on Thursday, October 30, to mark World Stroke Day. The programme featured a stroke awareness campaign and a multidisciplinary Continuing Medical Education (CME) session.
Held under the theme ‘From First Call to Recovery: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Stroke Management’, the event focused on early identification of stroke symptoms, advanced treatment, rehabilitation and comprehensive patient care.
AIIMS Patna Emphasises Dedicated Stroke Care
Inaugurating the programme, Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Patna, stressed the need to develop a dedicated 10-bed facility for stroke patients.
Highlighting the principle ‘Time is Brain’, he said that every minute matters in stroke treatment. Timely medical intervention can minimise brain damage and reduce the risk of permanent disability.
Guest of Honour Prof. (Dr.) A. K. Singh, former Director of IGIMS Patna, highlighted the importance of early identification of risk factors, regular health check-ups and a healthy lifestyle in preventing stroke.
He also spoke about the potential of AIIMS Patna to develop into a leading centre for stroke management.
Focus On Prevention And Public Awareness
Prof. (Dr.) Punam Prasad Bhadani, Dean (Academics), highlighted the importance of women’s health and balanced nutrition in stroke prevention.
Medical Superintendent Prof. (Dr.) Prashant Kumar Singh stressed the need for stress management, mental well-being and healthy lifestyle practices.
Prof. (Dr.) Ruchi Sinha, Dean (Student Affairs), underlined the role of public awareness initiatives in preventing stroke and ensuring timely medical intervention.
Dr. Anand Kumar Rai, Head of the Department of Neurology and coordinator of the programme, called for establishing a dedicated Stroke Centre at AIIMS Patna to provide specialised treatment to patients from Bihar and neighbouring states.
He also raised concerns over increasing tobacco consumption and the use of other addictive substances among young people, stating that these habits can increase the risk of stroke.
Experts Discuss Advanced Stroke Treatment
The scientific sessions brought together specialists to discuss different aspects of stroke management, including advanced treatment techniques, radiological interventions, rehabilitation, mental health and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Pandey, Head of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, highlighted the importance of cognitive rehabilitation in helping patients regain functional abilities after a stroke.
Dr. Subhash Kumar, Professor in the Department of Radio-Diagnosis, stressed the need to develop advanced treatment facilities and strengthen medical interventions.
Dr. Anand Kumar Rai also discussed the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence in stroke diagnosis and management.
Several specialists from AIIMS Patna and IGIMS Patna, including Dr. Ravikirti, Dr. Pankaj Kumar, Dr. Niska Sinha, Dr. Santosh Kumar Nirala, Dr. Megha Saigal and Dr. Puneet Kumar Chaudhary, delivered expert lectures.
Doctors from various departments, nursing officers and other healthcare professionals also participated in the programme.
Strengthening Multidisciplinary Stroke Management
SPARK 2026 highlighted the importance of early symptom recognition, timely medical intervention, specialised treatment and rehabilitation in stroke care.
The programme also provided a platform for healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration towards improving stroke prevention and treatment services.
