The first phase of the initiative targets stroke units at General Hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode, along with district hospitals in Kollam and Palakkad. These units are being prepared simultaneously for dual accreditation.
Also Read: Thiruvananthapuram Medical College achieves milestone in advanced stroke care
Speaking to the Hindu, the Minister said that this was the first time that a single wing of a hospital was being readied for accreditation.
The WSO certification is awarded to institutions that uphold international standards in stroke care. These facilities ensure timely access to treatment, provide essential diagnostic and thrombolysis services, and eliminate delays across all stages of patient care.
Basic infrastructure, equipment, and training for attaining the accreditation are being taken up by the Health department, reports the Hindu.
Experts reiterate that stroke patients must be brought to a designated stroke care centre within 4.5 hours of symptom onset—the critical time window during which thrombolytic treatment can be most effective.
While Medical Colleges in Kerala already offer comprehensive stroke care, 12 government hospitals currently have functional stroke units providing thrombolysis, rehabilitation, and stabilization. The Minister stated that all district hospitals in the state will be equipped with stroke care units by the end of the year.
Also Read: Centre to expand network of stroke units, says Union Health Secretary
Medical Dialogues had previously reported that Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava announced that the Union government plans to expand the stroke network to improve access to specialized care. Around 500 stroke units are operational across the country, and the Centre is committed to expanding this network to ensure wider access to specialised care, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said.
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