Samay, a newly launched initiative by Artemis Hospitals, is a comprehensive acute stroke management program designed to provide rapid and advanced care for stroke patients. Acknowledging the critical nature of time in stroke treatment, SAMAY emphasises a structured, time-bound approach to diagnosis and treatment. The program ensures that patients receive immediate medical attention, thereby reducing the chances of long-term damage. Through a combination of cutting-edge technology, multidisciplinary care, and public awareness, SAMAY aims to enhance recovery outcomes and improve overall stroke management at the hospital.
Key Features:
The Samay program is designed to provide holistic and integrated care for stroke patients, from initial diagnosis to rehabilitation. Artemis Hospitals has put in place advanced protocols and technologies that allow for the swift identification of stroke symptoms, fast-tracked diagnostic procedures, and immediate intervention, minimizing brain damage and improving patient outcomes.
1. Immediate Emergency Response: One of the cornerstones of the SAMAY program is the emphasis on the “Golden Hour”—the crucial first 60 minutes after a stroke occurs. During this period, receiving appropriate medical care can significantly reduce the risk of long-term damage. SAMAY ensures that emergency teams are trained to respond promptly, assess the patient’s condition, and begin appropriate treatment, whether it is through clot-busting drugs (thrombolysis) or other necessary interventions.
2. Multidisciplinary Stroke Team: SAMAY is powered by a dedicated team of specialists, including neurologists, interventional radiologists, emergency medicine physicians, and stroke care nurses. These professionals collaborate to create individualized treatment plans for each patient. The multidisciplinary nature of the program ensures that patients receive well-rounded care, addressing both immediate medical needs and long-term recovery.
3. Cutting-Edge Diagnostics and Interventions: Artemis Hospitals has equipped its SAMAY program with state-of-the-art imaging technologies such as MRI and CT scans, which enable rapid and accurate diagnosis of stroke types—ischemic or hemorrhagic. With these advanced diagnostic tools, doctors can quickly decide on the most effective treatment approach. For ischemic strokes, the SAMAY team can administer tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to dissolve blood clots or perform mechanical thrombectomy to physically remove the clot.
4. Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care: Recognising that stroke recovery extends beyond the immediate treatment phase, SAMAY also offers comprehensive rehabilitation services. The program includes physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, all of which are essential for helping stroke survivors regain mobility, communication skills, and independence. By integrating rehabilitation early in the treatment plan, SAMAY aims to maximise recovery outcomes for patients.
5. Public Awareness and Education: SAMAY also places a strong emphasis on educating the public about the warning signs of stroke and the importance of seeking immediate medical care. Artemis Hospitals is actively involved in spreading awareness about the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) acronym, which helps people quickly recognize the common symptoms of a stroke. Early identification and rapid response are crucial to improving survival rates and reducing the impact of strokes.
Innovation and Technology
Incorporating the latest advancements in medical technology, SAMAY integrates telemedicine and AI-driven diagnostic tools. Telemedicine allows stroke specialists to provide immediate consultations to doctors in remote or underserved areas, ensuring that no time is lost in determining the right course of action. The use of AI in diagnostics helps enhance the accuracy and speed of interpreting imaging results, providing doctors with real-time insights that aid in treatment decisions.
Impact and Future Plans
The SAMAY program is already making a significant impact on stroke care at Artemis Hospitals, with faster treatment times and improved patient outcomes. The hospital aims to expand the program to reach more communities, offering life-saving stroke care to a larger population. Additionally, Artemis Hospitals is committed to continuing investment in stroke research and innovation, with the goal of further enhancing the SAMAY program.
Conclusion
The launch of SAMAY by Artemis Hospitals is a critical step forward in improving stroke care. By focusing on rapid intervention, cutting-edge technology, and a multidisciplinary approach, the program offers patients the best chance of recovery from one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. With SAMAY, Artemis Hospitals is setting new standards in acute stroke management, ensuring that more lives can be saved and stroke survivors can achieve better quality of life through timely and effective care.
