5,000+ People, One Mission: Apollo Hospitals’ Stroke Awareness Run Rallies Bengaluru Ahead of World Stroke Day

Bengaluru, 26 October 2025: Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, organized the Stroke Awareness Run & Walk at Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium, Jayanagar, to mark World Stroke Day 2025 and raise awareness about recognizing early signs of stroke and acting within the golden hour. With the participation of 5000 + people, the event brought together citizens, healthcare professionals, and stroke survivors, to promote the message that stroke is preventable, treatable, and reversible if attended to in time. The event was inaugurated by Tejaswi Surya, Member of Parliament, Bengaluru South in the presence of Seemant Kumar Singh, City Police Commissioner, Bengaluru, and C K Ramamurthy, MLA, Jayanagar.
 
Participants took part in a 10 km run and a 4.5 km Golden Hour Walk, symbolizing the importance of timely intervention and rapid response in stroke emergencies. The event highlighted that every minute counts when it comes to saving brain function and reducing disability after a stroke.
 
While inaugurating the event, Tejaswi Surya, Member of Parliament, Bangalore South, said “The Central government has placed strong emphasis on strengthening stroke management across the country by expanding dedicated stroke units, improving access to timely treatment, and advancing preventive care through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat. At the state level, initiatives such as this by Apollo Hospitals play a vital role in building a healthier and more informed community. Stroke remains a growing public health concern that calls for greater awareness and faster response at the community level. Events like these remind us that timely recognition and immediate medical attention can make all the difference to patient recovery and outcomes.”
 
Seemant Kumar Singh, City Police Commissioner, Bengaluru said “Stroke is not only a medical condition, it is a community issue that demands awareness, timely action, and preventive responsibility. We often overlook our own health in the rush of daily life. Events like these serves as a reminder for us to investment in our safety and well-being. I appreciate Apollo Hospitals for leading this awareness movement and bringing the community together. Recognizing the early signs of stroke and seeking immediate help can save a life, prevent disability, and change outcomes. Let’s take the initiative to stay alert and active, and stand by each other when every minute counts.”
 
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. P Satischandra, Sr. Consultant & Advisor – Neurology, Apollo Hospitals, Jayanagar, said, “In India, stroke has emerged as one of the leading causes of mortality and long-term disability, affecting a large section of the population. Of particular concern is its increasing incidence among younger, working-age adults, primarily due to uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles. Unlike a heart attack, the symptoms of a stroke are frequently overlooked or misinterpreted, resulting in critical delays in seeking treatment. Greater awareness and prompt action by recognizing early warning signs can significantly improve outcomes and save many lives”.
 
Akshay Oleti, CEO – Karnataka Region, Apollo Hospitals, said, “The Stroke Awareness Run & Walk reflects Apollo Hospital’s commitment to community health beyond hospital walls. Through this initiative, we aim to build an informed and responsive community where people can recognize early symptoms, act fast, and access timely care. Our goal is to ensure that no life is lost or permanently disabled because of delayed action.”
 
Dr. Yatheesh Govindaiah, Unit Head, Apollo Hospitals Jayanagar, said, “Managing stroke requires not just advanced infrastructure, but also coordination and readiness across the entire healthcare system. At Apollo Hospitals, we have established integrated stroke protocols that ensure patients receive rapid diagnosis, imaging, and treatment within the golden hour. Equally important is creating awareness so that people reach the hospital at the earliest sign of a stroke. Initiatives like this help bridge that crucial gap between awareness and timely action, ultimately improving patient survival and recovery.”
 
Dr. Suryanarayana Sharma, Senior Consultant Neurologist & Stroke Specialist, Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta, said, "Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early can significantly improve treatment outcomes and save lives. As a neurologist, I've seen firsthand the impact of timely intervention in stroke cases. It's crucial that we spread awareness about the importance of acting within the golden hour to prevent long-term disability and reduce mortality rates."
 
Dr. Chinmay Nagesh, Senior Consultant, Neuro and Vascular Interventional Radiology, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Jayanagar said "Strokes that occur because of a major blood vessel block are the most severe yet, potentially, also the most reversible. An advanced endovascular procedure called Mechanical Thrombectomy can open up the blocked vessel. When performed in the golden hours this can result in remarkable recovery. This procedure is performed by specialized Neurointerventionists and is available only in comprehensive stroke centres with dedicated neuro-cathlabs.”
 
Dr. Gurucharan Adoor Senior Consultant Consultant Neurology, Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta, said, "Early recognition of stroke symptoms is key to effective treatment. Timely intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce long-term disability. As a neurologist, I emphasize the importance of awareness and swift action in stroke care."
 
Dr. Krishna Chaitanya N, Consultant – Neurosurgery (Brain & Spine) and Dr. Ajay Herur, Senior Consultant in Minimal Access Neurosurgery, Apollo Hospitals, Jayanagar, said, "Stroke is a critical condition that requires swift and precise medical intervention. As a neurosurgeon, I emphasize the importance of timely treatment in minimizing brain damage and improving patient outcomes. Acting within the golden hour can make a significant difference in saving lives and preventing long-term disability."
 
Dr. Sundeep VK, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Jayanagar, said, “A stroke can change a life in an instant, without warning. Yet its impact can be reduced when we stay alert, act quickly, and respond with compassion. Recognizing the early signs is vital. If a person’s face suddenly droops, their arm feels weak, or their speech becomes slurred, do not wait. Call for emergency medical help immediately. Every second matters. Prevention begins with the choices we make each day which includes staying active, keeping our blood pressure under control, and taking care of our heart and brain health. As a society, we can build a future where more lives are saved in time and fewer families face the lasting effects of stroke.”
 
India reports nearly 1.8 million new stroke cases each year, with a growing number affecting adults under 50. In response to this rising burden, Apollo Hospitals has been actively working to improve stroke outcomes through timely diagnosis, advanced emergency care, and sustained public awareness efforts. The hospital regularly conducts community outreach programs to help people recognize early warning signs and seek immediate medical attention.