NATIONAL STROKE Conference inaugurated

Ludhiana, March 1, 2013: The Department of Neurology at Christian Medical College, Ludhiana is organising the 8th National Stroke Conference of Indian Stroke Association from March 1 -3 in Hotel Park Plaza.

The Health and Family Welfare Minister, Punjab Madan Mohan Mittal was the Chief Guest for the inauguration of the conference.

In his inaugural address, the minister stated that stroke is the second commonest cause of death and fourth leading cause of disability world- wide. In India 1.44 to 1.64 million cases of new acute strokes occur every year and 12% of strokes occur in the population aged below 40 years.  In India 40-50% of stroke patients are left with permanent disability. From the on-going Indian Council of Medical Research funded stroke survey conducted by CMC, in Ludhiana city the incidence rate i.e. number of new cases every year is 162 per 1,00,000 population. There is an enormous need to improve the stroke care in our country and in Punjab.

Mittal also released the Stroke Solidarity String which is an Indigo coloured string as a symbol of stroke support and awareness across the world.

Dr Abraham G Thomas, Director of CMC Ludhiana appreciated the efforts of the department of Neurology in bringing the conference to the city of Ludhiana. He also mentioned that Ludhiana city and Punjab has a very high number of stroke patients. CMC has a comprehensive stroke program to cater to the needs of the patients.

Dr Jeyaraj D Pandian the Organising Secretary mentioned that today experts from India and overseas talked about how to diagnose and treat stroke patients as quick as possible in the ABC of stroke session. In the noon stroke experts discussed about acute stroke treatment with emphasis on thrombolysis.

Dr MR Sivakumar, President of Indian Stroke Association (ISA) mentioned about the various activities of ISA in improving the stroke care and awareness in the country. Dr Natan Bornstein (Vice-President, World Stroke Organisation), Dr Richard Lindley (President, Stroke Society of Australasia) and Dr Craig Anderson (President Elect, Asia Pacific Stroke Organisation) stated the importance of improving care of stroke patients in low and middle income countries like India. 

Dr Manoj K Sobti, member Punjab Medical Council and President, Indian Medical Association, Punjab explained the role of Punjab Medical Council in improving continuing medical education the State. Dr Yashpal Singh gave the vote of thanks.

The conference will continue till Sunday March 3^rd.