The Maharashtra Stroke Summit held in Mumbai on 6 March 2026 brought together policymakers, doctors and healthcare experts to discuss urgent steps needed to improve stroke care in the state. The summit was organised by the Indian Medical Parliamentarians’ Forum (IMPF) in collaboration with the European Business Group, with Medtronic serving as the knowledge partner.
Stroke continues to pose a serious health challenge in India. It is currently the fourth leading cause of death and the fifth leading cause of disability in the country. Maharashtra remains among the top ten states with high stroke-related deaths and disability, highlighting the urgent need for improved awareness, early diagnosis and stronger healthcare infrastructure.
Experts at the summit emphasised that many stroke patients in India reach hospitals too late because people often fail to recognise early warning signs. In addition, there is a shortage of specialised stroke doctors and dedicated treatment facilities. The limited use of proven treatments and the high cost of care also prevent many families from accessing timely medical support.
Despite these challenges, advances in technology and growing public–private partnerships have begun to improve stroke care across the country. The summit therefore focused on identifying practical solutions to strengthen stroke-ready hospitals and expand access to high-quality treatment.
One of the key discussions at the summit examined the latest clinical evidence in stroke management in India. Dr. Neeraj Jain, Head of Department at KEM Hospital, shared insights from studies including the ICMR and PRAAN research. Another session led by Dr. Nitin N. Dange, Professor and Unit Head at KEM Hospital, explored the impact of including stroke treatment under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana scheme and the additional support required to expand access.
Speaking at the event, Prakashrao Abitkar, Maharashtra’s Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare, highlighted the importance of expanding stroke treatment under the Ayushman Bharat health scheme. He noted that the inclusion of advanced treatments such as thrombolysis, dedicated stroke care units and mechanical thrombectomy marks an important step toward making lifesaving therapies more accessible and affordable.
According to Dr. Anil Bonde, Member of the Rajya Sabha and Chairperson of the IMPF, the summit represents a significant step toward building a stronger stroke care ecosystem in Maharashtra. He stressed that coordinated efforts are needed to develop stroke-ready networks and ensure that every patient receives timely treatment, regardless of location or financial background.
Healthcare experts also underlined the role of public–private partnerships in strengthening stroke management systems. Prateek Tiwari, Senior Director for Neuroscience and Specialty Therapies at Medtronic India, said such collaborations can improve awareness, reduce treatment delays and enhance clinical outcomes.
The summit brought together leading medical experts including Dr. Rashmi Saraf, Dr. Ravindrakumar Shetye, Dr. Avinash Gutte, and Dr. Batuk Diyora, who collectively stressed the need for stronger stroke centres and better access to emergency care across Maharashtra.
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