BHU Neurologist Proposes Effective Stroke Referral Network to Health Ministry

Stroke cases are rising with over 20 patients daily at BHU’s Neurology Department. Recognizing the critical 4.5-hour “golden hour” for treatment, Prof. Vijayanath Mishra, former head of Neurology at IMS BHU, has recommended the creation of a robust referral network to India’s Central Ministry of Health. The intent is to ensure timely treatment for stroke patients in rural and urban areas of Uttar Pradesh.

Referral Network for Efficient Care

Prof. Mishra emphasizes linking existing health services including 108 ambulance emergency service, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Community Health Centres (CHCs) into an integrated referral system. Additionally, district hospitals and medical colleges with CT scan facilities should be connected via a shared digital and physical platform to enable fast diagnostics.

Addressing Specialist Shortage with Tele-Stroke Consultations

Due to the lack of neurologists in rural and small-town hospitals, Prof. Mishra proposes enhancing tele-stroke consultations. This approach allows doctors at smaller centers to send patient data, medical reports, and digital CT scan images to senior neurologists in larger institutions. Prompt expert advice ensures patients are referred appropriately in critical time.

Central Universities in Uttar Pradesh

All 57

NAAC ANIRF #6 (2025)Banaras Hindu UniversityVaranasi, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1916View detailsNAAC A+NIRF #10 (2025)Aligarh Muslim UniversityAligarh, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1920View detailsBBAUNAAC ANIRF #37 (2025)Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar UniversityLucknow, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1996View detailsNAAC B++Central UniversityAllahabad UniversityPrayagraj, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1887View detailsRGNAUCentral UniversityRajiv Gandhi National Aviation UniversityRaebareli, Uttar PradeshAdmission: Own EntranceEst. 2013View detailsRLBCACentral UniversityRani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural UniversityJhansi, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, ICAR AIEEAEst. 2014View details

Potential Impact

Health experts suggest that implementing this model could significantly lower stroke mortality and disability rates across eastern Uttar Pradesh and the entire state. The effective referral network combined with tele-neurology is envisaged as a boon for stroke patient treatment amidst increasing cases.