Noida, XX November 2022: Fortis Hospital Noida has launched a dedicated ambulance service for stroke patients.  The ‘Quick & Responsive Emergency Service’ has a dedicated helpline number – 0120 2400444 to help a patient reach the hospital within the golden hour. The first 4.5 hours are considered to be the most crucial or in other terms “golden” because stroke patients have a high chance of survival and prevention of long-term brain damage if they receive medical treatment within the first 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms.The ambulance service was launched by Dr Jyoti Bala Sharma, Director & HOD-Neurology, Dr Anurag Agarwal, HOD-Emergency and Dr Shanu Sharma (MS), Fortis Hospital, Noida. Fortis Noida has been awarded the Diamond Category Award twice by World Stroke Organisation as a recognition of the hospital being the best ‘Stroke Ready Hospital in India’.

Dr Jyoti Bala Sharma, Director & HOD-Neurology, Fortis Hospital Noida said, “Around 1.8 million people suffer from stroke every year but only 1% are able to reach the hospital on time to get the required treatment. The stroke ambulance is equipped with all necessary emergency facilities to immediately cater to the patient once the patient is in the ambulance and being taken to the hospital. Approaching a stroke-ready specialty hospital makes it more likely that the patient receives acute stroke therapies which have a limited time window. Thus, a dedicated ambulance for stroke patients is critical for saving the patient’s life.”

Dr Rahul Gupta, Director & HOD - Neurosurgery said “Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty in understanding speech, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination are some of the recognizable symptoms of stroke. In such a case one should be immediately rushed to a stroke ready  hospital and immediate treatment should be given to prevent any irreversible damage to the patient.”

Mohit Singh, Zonal Director, Fortis Noida said “The burden of stroke is increasing in India; stroke is now the fourth leading cause of death and the fifth leading cause of disability. Fortis Noida has strengthened its health infrastructure to reduce the burden of stroke related deaths.  Fortis Noida is one of the dedicated hospitals in Delhi/NCR providing comprehensive stroke treatment. Apart from a dedicated stroke ambulance, the hospital has a dedicated world class neuro ICU, neuro lab and stroke management team. Fortis Noida has been awarded the Diamond Category Award twice by World Stroke Organization as a recognition of the hospital being the best ‘Stroke Ready Hospital in India.”

About Fortis Healthcare Limited  

“Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4100 operational beds and over 419 diagnostics centres (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs 23,000 people (including SRL) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.”