Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first healthcare institution in India to receive the prestigious Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA). This landmark certification underscores the hospital’s ability to meet the highest global standards in emergency stroke response, advanced imaging diagnosis, critical care, and rehabilitation, setting a new benchmark for stroke care in the country.

At the heart of this achievement is the dedicated multidisciplinary stroke team at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills. The team, available around the clock, comprises leading experts including emergency physicians, neurologists, interventional neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, intensivists, and specialized nursing staff. Key members include Dr. Alok Ranjan, Senior Consultant and Head of Neurosurgery; Dr. Imron Subhan, Senior Consultant and Head of Emergency Medicine; Dr. K. Subba Reddy, Senior Consultant Intensivist and Head of Critical Care; Dr. Suresh Girgani, Interventional Neuroradiologist; and Dr. C. Rajesh Reddy, Neurologist.

Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group, hailed this achievement as a validation of the hospital’s unwavering commitment to world-class healthcare. She emphasized that the certification stands as evidence of Apollo’s focus on saving lives through timely intervention and adherence to global quality standards. She added that with time and expertise being crucial in stroke management, the hospital ensures patients receive the fastest and most accurate care for optimal recovery.

Speaking about the hospital’s continuous pursuit of excellence, Mr. V. Tejesvi Rao, CEO of Apollo Hospitals - Telangana Region, said that the certification is not just an acknowledgment of top-tier care, but also a reflection of their mission to transform healthcare standards in India. He highlighted that by combining rapid diagnosis, tailored interventions, critical-care support, and comprehensive rehabilitation, the hospital ensures that stroke patients receive holistic care designed to minimize disability and accelerate recovery. He also noted that Apollo’s focus on collaborative research and community outreach is helping to elevate stroke care across the country.

Strokes, often referred to as “brain attacks,” occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked or interrupted, potentially leading to speech impairment, paralysis, or other serious complications. Timely intervention is crucial in minimizing the damage and saving lives. Recognizing the urgency, Apollo Hospitals has implemented a robust emergency response system, including the dedicated 1066 emergency number and connected ambulances that allow specialists to begin treatment even before patients arrive at the hospital.

Dr. Imron Subhan, Head of Emergency Medicine, pointed out that studies in Telangana reveal a growing need for structured stroke management systems. He expressed pride in Apollo Hospitals' ability to meet this demand, and noted that becoming the first AHA-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in India is a significant milestone for the region and the country.

The American Heart Association’s certification is regarded as the gold standard in stroke care worldwide. To achieve this recognition, hospitals must meet stringent requirements involving rapid stroke identification, advanced diagnostic capabilities, availability of interventional procedures at all times, and a dedicated neuro-intensive care unit for continuous patient monitoring and recovery support. Additionally, hospitals must demonstrate a commitment to ongoing research, continuous medical education, and patient awareness initiatives.

Apollo Hospitals has a long-standing reputation for excellence in stroke care. In 2006, it became the first hospital outside the United States to receive a disease-specific accreditation for stroke management. This latest achievement builds on that legacy, reaffirming Apollo’s role as a leader in advanced healthcare. Through cutting-edge technology, research-driven protocols, and collaborative teamwork, Apollo Hospitals continues to lead the fight against stroke, improving patient outcomes and raising the standard of care in India.