Puducherry: Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) observed World Stroke Day 2025 on Tuesday with the theme “Act Fast: Every Minute Counts,” focusing on public awareness, prevention, and timely treatment of stroke — a leading cause of disability and death worldwide.

As part of the observance, JIPMER organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session on October 26, chaired by Director Dr. Vir Singh Negi. Delivering the keynote address, Indian Stroke Association President Dr. P. Vijaya highlighted the growing burden of stroke in lower-income nations. Dr. Vijaya also released the JIPMER Stroke Guidelines, edited by Dr. Sunil Narayan and the stroke team.

Dr. Narayan, Head of Neurology, said JIPMER had successfully reduced the “door-to-thrombolysis time” to under one hour and offers comprehensive stroke care, including advanced thrombectomy, free of cost.

Highlighting its research efforts, JIPMER recently completed a clinical trial on mechanical thrombectomy using a novel device, Supernova, developed by Indian-origin engineers and interventional radiologists in the US and coordinated by an Indian-origin professor at the University of Miami. Manufactured by M/s Gravity (USA) and M/s Gurutva (Hyderabad), the device received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) in August 2024.

The trial results, presented at the World Stroke Congress in Barcelona (Oct 22-24, 2025), demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety to international brands. The study, titled “Grassroot Trial,” aims to make thrombectomy devices affordable for lower-income nations, with expected costs at one-half to one-third of current prices.

On October 28, JIPMER also held a public awareness programme emphasizing early symptom recognition and preventive lifestyle measures. Plans are underway for a dedicated Neuroscience Centre to enhance patient care and research.