Apollo Hospitals expands stroke care network with 9 advanced labs across city

Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, announced the expansion of its Apollo Advanced Stroke Network with nine advanced labs across the city. The initiative aims to ensure timely, standardised, and high-quality treatment for strokes.

The expansion comes amid growing concern over the rise in stroke cases among younger adults. According to estimates, one in four people above 25 years faces the risk of stroke, and Chennai alone records about 10,000 cases annually.

Launched initially in 2023, the Apollo Stroke Network was designed as a coordinated system to improve early detection and response. The new phase strengthens this framework, emphasising that “Time is Brain” — with nearly 1.9 lakh brain cells lost every minute during a stroke.

The network brings together leading neurologists and neurovascular specialists including Srinivasan Paramasivam, senior consultant – Neuro Endovascular Surgery; Kannah S., Vijay Shankar, Muthukani S., Arulselvan V.L., Satish Kumar and Sreenivas U.M.

“Our goal is to save more lives and improve outcomes through faster, smarter intervention,” said Dr. Paramasivam, noting the use of neuroendovascular treatments such as mechanical thrombectomy and microsurgical procedures.

Satish Kumar, senior consultant, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR, stressed the importance of timely care, pointing out that thrombolysis must begin within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. “Sudden vision loss, facial drooping, speech issues or numbness should be treated as warning signs,” he said.

Highlighting technological advances, Sreenivas U.M., consultant neurologist, said, “AI-powered imaging and decision-support tools are helping us identify strokes faster and initiate treatment with greater precision.”

Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO — Chennai Region, said the initiative reflects Apollo’s commitment to comprehensive neurological care and public awareness.

Stroke survivors across age groups  shared stories of their recovery, underscoring the importance of early intervention and continued rehabilitation.