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Stroke is a significant public health concern in India, ranking fourth in terms of mortality rate and fifth in terms of disability. To address this issue, two hospitals in India, Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad and Aster Hospital in Calicut, have been certified as Comprehensive Stroke Centers by the American Stroke Association (ASA), a division of the American Heart Association. This certification recognizes hospitals that have the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and trained staff to quickly diagnose and treat complex stroke cases.
The ASA launched its certification program in India last year, focusing on promoting high-quality care for stroke patients. The certification process involves a rigorous evaluation of the hospital’s infrastructure, equipment, and staff to ensure they meet specific standards for stroke care. There are two certification classifications: Comprehensive Stroke Centers and Primary Stroke Centers. Comprehensive Stroke Centers must meet advanced standards, including 24/7 availability of specialized treatments, participation in research, and staff education and competencies for complex stroke care.
Primary Stroke Centers, on the other hand, are required to demonstrate the ability to care for acute ischemic stroke patients, transfer patients to Comprehensive Stroke Centers, and meet educational requirements for all disciplines caring for stroke patients. The ASA surveyors assess hospitals to ensure they meet or exceed the required standards.
The ASA is also piloting a Comprehensive Chest Pain certification, which is part of its efforts to improve heart disease and stroke care globally. The certifications are designed to encourage hospitals to establish, improve, and support high-quality care for these conditions. With this initiative, the ASA is working towards reducing the impact of heart disease and stroke and enhancing patient outcomes. As Dr. D.P. Suresh, a volunteer member of the American Heart Association’s International Committee, emphasized, “It is up to us to create a better world for everyone.”