In a move set to revolutionize stroke care in Assam, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has handed over two Mobile Stroke Units (MSUs) to the state government. This initiative marks a significant advancement in emergency medical services, bringing advanced healthcare closer to patients in rural, remote, and challenging terrains. The MSUs, essentially "hospitals on wheels," are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a CT scanner, point-of-care laboratory, clot-busting drugs, and a facility for teleconsultation with specialists.
The impact of these MSUs is expected to be transformative, primarily by drastically reducing the time it takes for stroke patients to receive critical treatment. Previously, patients in remote areas faced treatment delays of up to 24 hours due to the distance to specialized hospitals. With the introduction of MSUs, treatment time can be slashed to approximately two hours, enabling early diagnosis and intervention at or near the patient's home. This is crucial because, in stroke management, "time is brain," and every minute of delay can result in the loss of millions of neurons.
The MSUs have been operational in Assam since 2019 as part of an ICMR-funded pilot project to study ‘Stroke Care Pathways’ in the region, specifically at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) and Tezpur Medical College and Hospital (TMCH). The results of this initiative have been remarkable. The implementation of the MSU model has not only reduced treatment time but has also led to a one-third reduction in stroke-related deaths and an eightfold reduction in disability. Between 2021 and August 2024, the MSUs received over 2,300 emergency calls. Trained nurses screened 294 suspected stroke cases, with 90% of patients being treated directly from their homes. Furthermore, the integration of the MSU with the 108-emergency ambulance service has expanded its reach to a 100-kilometer radius.
During the handover ceremony at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), ICMR Director General Dr. Rajiv Bahl emphasized India's successful evaluation of these units in rural and remote areas of Northeast India. He also noted that India is the second country globally to report the successful integration of an MSU with emergency medical services for treating rural acute ischemic stroke patients. Dr. Sanjeeb Kakati, Principal of AMCH, highlighted the hospital's achievement as the first government institution in the country to perform thrombolysis within a mobile unit.
P. Ashok Babu, Secretary & Commissioner, Health and Family Welfare, Government of Assam, stated that the handover strengthens Assam's emergency response system and ensures the continuity of this life-saving service under state ownership. He also acknowledged that the collaboration with ICMR has facilitated faster treatment, improved coordination, and better outcomes for stroke patients, providing a solid foundation for future expansion.
The success of the Mobile Stroke Units in Assam provides a potential model for other Himalayan states facing similar geographical challenges. The initiative aligns with the government's commitment to ensuring advanced healthcare reaches vulnerable populations, even in the most challenging regions. Public awareness campaigns promoting stroke recognition and healthy lifestyles remain crucial to maximizing the benefits of the MSUs and reducing the overall burden of stroke on the state's healthcare system. Timely maintenance of the MSUs will also be vital to ensure the continued success of the program.
