Noida: In a First for Noida Region, Fortis Hospital Noida, today unveiled its dedicated 24×7 stroke helpline ‘ASHA | आशा’ to drastically cut delays between onset of stroke and treatment – because when it comes to stroke treatment, every second truly counts. Aptly named ASHA – meaning hope, the helpline represents a critical lifeline for patients and families during one of the most time-sensitive medical emergencies, reinforcing a simple truth in stroke care: time saved is brain saved.
The ASHA Stroke Helpline- 6230 93 6230 provides immediate access to trained medical teams who guide callers through emergency response, coordinate ambulance services, and alert stroke specialists in advance, ensuring treatment begins the moment a patient reaches the hospital. This rapid mobilisation is particularly crucial during the “golden hour”, the first 60 minutes after stroke onset, when timely intervention can significantly reduce the risk of death and permanent disability.
Fortis Noida Stroke Helpline is built to bridge the critical gap to stroke response by helping callers recognise the typical warning signs of stroke through the globally accepted (BE-FAST) acronym – sudden onset Balance problems, Eye-loss of vision, Facial drooping, Arm or limb weakness, Slurring or Speech difficulty.
Dr. Rahul Gupta, Senior Director & HOD – Neurosurgery at Fortis Hospital, Noida said, “Every year, India reports nearly 15-18 lakh new stroke cases, yet barely one in ten people receive definitive therapy such as thrombolysis. This gap is not due to lack of medical capability, but because awareness of symptoms and urgency are missing. In stroke, every second counts: for each minute of delay, millions of brain cells die, dramatically raising the risk of permanent disability, cognitive loss, or even death. Fortis Noida’s Stroke Helpline ‘Asha’ bridges the critical gap between first symptoms and expert care, enabling families to quickly recognize warning signs, secure immediate expert advice and ensure patients reach a hospital capable of life-saving stroke therapy within the golden window. When it comes to stroke, time is brain – and Asha brings hope when it matters most.”
Dr. Jyoti Bala, Director & Head, Neurology at Fortis Hospital, Noida added, “Early detection and immediate treatment to restore blood flow to the brain are key in successful stroke treatment. Depending
on the patient’s condition, doctors use clot-dissolving medicines or mechanical thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the clot. While the treatment window can extend up to 4.5 hours, outcomes are significantly better within the first 60 minutes post onset of symptoms. Every minute saved protects the brain.”
Dr Neha Pandita, Senior Consultant, Neurology, Fortis Noida said, “India faces one of the highest stroke burdens globally, driven by risk factors – hypertension, diabetes, obesity, stress, and poor sleep. But the bigger crisis is lack of awareness. Stroke is a medical emergency requiring early assessment and timely medical attention and intervention as brain cells die within minutes as oxygen and blood supply is interrupted. Eight out of 10 strokes can be prevented through simple changes in lifestyle like exercising regularly and quitting smoking and keeping blood pressure and diabetes in check.”
Mohit Singh, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospital Noida said, “‘Asha’- Our new 24×7 stroke helpline means expert stroke care is just a call away – wherever you are. Backed by trained nurses, emergency physicians, and neurologists available around the clock, backed by tele-stroke support even for patients in remote areas, we’re making sure every patient gets the right care at the right time.”
