Mumbai, [June 20, 2023] – Boehringer Ingelheim India
has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Public Health
Department of the Government of Maharashtra. The partnership aims to enhance
stroke care services in hospitals across the state through timely and quality
care to patients, while further strengthening the stroke care infrastructure in
the state. The MoU was signed on 19th
June, at St. George Hospital, Mumbai in the presence of dignitaries from the Maharashtra
Government, World Stroke Organization, National Programme for Prevention and
Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke Punjab, Angels
Initiative, and Boehringer Ingelheim India. Dr. Nagnath Mudam, Joint
Director NCD, Mumbai, Maharashtra and Dr. Shraddha Bhure, Medical Director, Boehringer Ingelheim India, were
the signing authorities for this MoU Exchange.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and
disabilities in India and the country ranks second worldwide with 7.7 lakh
deaths from stroke. The Union Ministry of Health survey for Maharashtra
also indicates a high burden of non-communicable diseases (48.3%), with stroke
being one of the top 10 causes of mortality. This stems from lack of public
knowledge and awareness about the risk factors and treatment, and high cost of
stroke care, highlighting
the urgent need for prompt and adequate medical care for stroke patients.
Timely treatment within the first 4.5 hours
of a stroke is crucial. Known as the golden period, it provides a critical
window for medical interventions to significantly influence patient outcomes,
minimize stroke-induced damage, and improve the chances of successful recovery.
Therefore, ensuring timely access to stroke care services and raising awareness
about the importance of early intervention is paramount in addressing this
pressing healthcare concern in India.
As
part of the MoU, Boehringer Ingelheim India through the ANGELS initiative will equip hospitals with capacity building of multidisciplinary
stroke teams to access valuable
resources including educational materials, standardization tools, consultancy
support, and a quality monitoring process. A pilot project on stroke detection
and management will be launched in five districts - Thane, Auranagabad, Pune,
Nanded and Nashik, after which the programme will be launched in the rest of
the state.
ANGELS
is a part of a global health care initiative endorsed by more than 30 National
and International Stroke Societies including the European Stroke Organization
and World Stroke Organization. The inititiative will also facilitate
simulations or stroke mock drills across hospitals, with debriefing and
functional protocol setting. Specific virtual simulation through BodyInteract™ AI
based tool to get hand on training with Virtual patient, ASLS (Advance Stroke
Life Support) training and CT interpretation training through CT WOW tool will also be provided for physicians and
radiology. By
leveraging these tools and resources, participating hospitals will be able to enhance
their ability to deliver timely and high-quality stroke care services.
“This collaboration reflects the
government’s commitment to improving healthcare servicesin the area of stroke
care. Stroke has emerged as a significant health concern in recent times and
calls for continued collaboration between the public and the private sector to
help improve citizen lives. We are pleased to partner with Boehringer Ingelheim
India to alleviate the stroke burden on the people of the state and the overall
healthcare infrastructure, and making Maharashtra a Stroke Ready State,” said Dr
Nagnath Mudam, Joint Director NCD, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
The
Public Health Department, GoM will ensure smooth functioning and quality
implementation of the project undertaken by the ANGELS initiative. This
includes providing 24*7 CT scan facility with at least one technician for Face-Arms-Speech-Time
(FAST) diagnosis aside from basic infrastructure and facilities. As part of the
MoU, the government will develop new stroke centres in the future, with the
availability of a physician, 24*7 CT scan and thrombolytic drug, wherever
applicable. It aims at improving access for stroke patients and reduce the burden
on current stroke treatment centres. Hub and spoke networks between these
hospitals, will also be established, to nearest comprehensive stroke treatment
centres for faster medical interventions.
“Our goal is to reduce the overall stroke
burden in Maharashtra by providing quality stroke care to patients through
dedicated and fully trained teams. We look forward to working closely with the
Maharashtra State government to further bolster the healthcare infrastructure
in the region,” said Sandip Agrawal, Interim Managing Director,
Boehringer Ingelheim India.
"Recognizing the importance of stroke
care management in India, the World Stroke Organization (WSO) has emphasized
the need for a comprehensive approach. ANGELS Initiative, with its global
support in capacity building, is playing a vital role in helping hospitals become
'Stroke Ready.' The NABH[1]-WSO Accreditation program for Stroke
Quality Services in hospitals is a significant step towards ensuring high
standards of care. The efforts of the Maharashtra government in their
initiative 'Stroke Free Maharashtra' to enhance the lives of citizens are
commendable," said Dr Jeyaraj D Pandian, Prof. of Neurology and
Principal(Dean), CMC Ludhiana, President Elect World Stroke Organization.
"Based on our experience with ANGELS
Initiative in Punjab, I am confident that ANGELS, in partnership with the
Government of Maharashtra, will play a crucial role in addressing the growing
burden of stroke care. With Angels' support implemented in every district
hospital, we have witnessed a transformative impact on stroke care services.
Starting with six district hospitals and three medical colleges in Phase 1, we
have now expanded to include all 23 district hospitals in Phase 2, ensuring
better stroke care for all eligible patients. Angels Initiative has been
instrumental in our efforts and will continue to make a significant difference
in tackling the challenges of stroke care,” said Dr. Sandeep Singh Gill,
Asst.Director cum Nodal Oficer NPNCD, Punjab.
About Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer
Ingelheim is working on breakthrough therapies that improve the lives of humans
and animals. As a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, the
company creates value through innovation in areas of high unmet medical need.
Founded in 1885 and family-owned ever since Boehringer Ingelheim takes a long-term
perspective. Around 53,000 employees serve more than 130 markets in three
business areas, Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract
Manufacturing. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com
Established
in 2003, Boehringer Ingelheim India manages India and the neighboring markets’
operations of the global enterprise. The Company enables access to innovative
products as part of its Human Pharma and Animal Health businesses. The focus
Human Pharma therapy areas include diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory
conditions. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.in
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