Fortis Gurugram has launched a dedicated 24×7 stroke helpline named ‘Umeed’ to reduce the time between the onset of stroke and medical intervention. The helpline number, 8588002233, is intended to provide immediate medical guidance and coordination with hospital teams so that patients can receive timely treatment within the first hour after symptoms appear.
According to Fortis, the first 60 minutes following a stroke are referred to as the “golden hour,” during which timely action plays a role in reducing the risk of long-term disability. The initiative has been introduced in response to stroke incidence in India, where a stroke occurs every 40 seconds and one life is lost every four minutes. Approximately 15% of cases occur in individuals below the age of 45, and delayed symptom recognition often affects timely treatment.
The helpline guides callers in identifying early warning signs using the BE-FAST method, which refers to sudden balance issues, loss of vision, facial drooping, arm weakness, and difficulty speaking. The service then connects the caller to the nearest stroke-ready hospital, coordinates ambulance support, and alerts the medical team in advance so that treatment can begin upon arrival.
Dr. Sahil Kohli, Additional Director, Neurology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said, “10-15 lakh cases of stroke cases happen every year in India, only 10 % get the definitive therapy – thrombolysis due to lack of awareness of stroke symptoms and timely diagnosis. Every hour delay in stroke treatment can lead to irreversible damage to 120 million brain cells often leading to disability, cognitive decline and increased risk of mortality. The Fortis Stroke Helpline ‘Umeed’ bridges that gap, because when it comes to stroke, time is brain. Through this helpline, families can identify symptoms faster, get immediate expert advice, and ensure patients receive recommended care within the golden hour.”
Dr. Saurabh Yatish Bansal, Additional Director, Neurology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said, “Early detection and immediate treatment to restore blood flow to the brain are key to successful stroke treatment. Depending on the case, doctors use clot-dissolving medicines or mechanical thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the clot. While the treatment window is 4.5 hours, results are best within the first 90 minutes of symptom onset. Every minute saved protects the brain.”
Dr. Mohammaed Nadeem, Head – Emergency at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said, “India faces one of the highest stroke burdens globally, driven by risk factors – hypertension, diabetes, obesity, stress, and poor sleep. But the bigger crisis is lack of awareness. Stroke is a medical emergency requiring early assessment and timely medical attention and intervention as brain cells die within minutes as oxygen and blood supply is interrupted. Eight out of 10 strokes can be prevented through simple changes in lifestyle like exercising regularly and quitting smoking and keeping blood pressure and diabetes in check Remember Time is brain.”
Yash Rawat, Vice President & Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said, “Umeed – Our new 24×7 stroke helpline means expert help is just a call away – wherever you are. With trained nurses, emergency physicians and neurologists available around the clock, backed by tele-stroke support even in remote areas, we’re making sure every patient gets the right care at the right time.”