ICMR hands over mobile stroke unit to government of Assam

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in India. Every minute is crucial in the event of a stroke—about 1.9 billion brain cells are destroyed per minute if treatment is delayed. 

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has handed over two Mobile Stroke Units (MSUs) to the Assam government to mitigate the serious problem. This is a significant shift towards quicker access to hospitals for stroke patients living in remote areas. Now hospitals are reaching out directly to patients.

Developed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, this initiative reflects the government's commitment to ensure that even in the most challenging geographies, the poorest, the most vulnerable, and the most vulnerable populations, including women, have access to advanced healthcare services.

MSU is a mobile hospital, equipped with CT scanners, teleconsultations from specialists, point-of-care laboratory, and blood clotting drugs. This enables early diagnosis and treatment of stroke at or near the patient's home. This innovation is particularly important for remote and hard-to-reach areas, where it can take several hours to reach hospitals. Through expert teleconsultation, MSU enables early identification of the type of stroke and quick initiation of treatment, saving lives and preventing disability.