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Fortis Gurugram Launches ‘Umeed’; A Dedicated 24×7 Stroke Helpline to Enable Immediate Response when Stroke Occurs

• By Newsdesk
• Gurugram
• Nov 04, 2025

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Fortis Gurugram today unveiled its dedicated 24×7 stroke helpline ‘Umeed’ to drastically reduce the time between stroke onset and treatment - because when it comes to stroke, every second truly counts. Within the first 60 minutes referred to as the “golden hour” in medical science, timely intervention is what matters to saving lives and reducing the chances of long-term disabilities. The Helpline Nos ‘8588002233’ offers immediate expert medical guidance and seamless hospital coordination, so patients receive urgent care without delay and have far better odds of survival and recovery.

In India, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds, and one life is lost to it every four minutes. Alarmingly, nearly 15% of stroke cases are reported in individuals below the age of 45. Despite this growing burden, awareness of early symptoms remains low, and delayed recognition of the symptoms often leads to patients missing the crucial treatment window that could prevent death or long-term disability.

Fortis Stroke Helpline is built to bridge the critical gap to stroke response by helping callers spot the typical warning signs of stroke (BE-FAST) sudden onset Balance problems, Eye-loss of vision, Facial drooping, Arm weakness in limbs, Slurring or difficulty in speaking. It then connects the caller to the nearest stroke-ready hospital, coordinates for immediate availability of ambulance services, and alerts doctors in advance, ensuring treatment begins the moment the patient arrives at the hospital.

Dr. Sahil Kohli, Additional Director, Neurology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said, “10-15 lakh cases of stroke cases happen every year in India, only 10 % get the definitive therapy – thrombolysis due to lack of awareness of stroke symptoms and timely diagnosis. Every hour delay in stroke treatment can lead to irreversible damage to 120 million brain cells often leading to disability, cognitive decline and increased risk of mortality. The Fortis Stroke Helpline ‘Umeed’ bridges that gap, because when it comes to stroke, time is brain. Through this helpline, families can identify symptoms faster, get immediate expert advice, and ensure patients receive recommended care within the golden hour.”

Dr. Saurabh Yatish Bansal, Additional Director, Neurology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram added, “Early detection and immediate treatment to restore blood flow to the brain are key to successful stroke treatment. Depending on the case, doctors use clot-dissolving medicines or mechanical thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the clot. While the treatment window is 4.5 hours, results are best within the first 90 minutes of symptom onset. Every minute saved protects the brain.”

Dr Mohammaed Nadeem, Head – Emergency at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram 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 Remember Time is brain.”

Yash Rawat, Vice President & Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said “Umeed - Our new 24×7 stroke helpline means expert help is just a call away - wherever you are. With trained nurses, emergency physicians and neurologists available around the clock, backed by tele-stroke support even in remote areas, we’re making sure every patient gets the right care at the right time.”