CARE Hospitals Engages Medical Students and Schoolchildren in Stroke Awareness Drive in Visakhapatnam

CARE Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, organised the Stroke Quiz Championship 2026 and Stroke Awareness Painting Competition at Hotel Grand Bay on Sunday, ahead of World Stroke Day on October 29. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about early stroke symptoms, the importance of emergency treatment and preventive measures. Held under the message “Every Minute Counts,” the event brought together medical students, interns and schoolchildren from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Dr. G. Butchi Raju, Former Principal and Former Head of the Department of Neurology, Andhra Medical College (AMC), attended the event as Chief Guest. Dr. Rajesh Poosarla, Senior Interventional Neuro Radiologist; Dr. M. G. V. Aditya, Senior Neurologist; and Mr. G. Sukesh Reddy, Chief Operating Officer, CARE Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, also participated. They were joined by students from various medical colleges, medical interns, schoolchildren, teachers, representatives of GWS Art Academy, and doctors and staff of CARE Hospitals.

Dr. G. Butchi Raju, Former Principal and Former Head of the Department of Neurology, Andhra Medical College, said, “Stroke awareness should not be limited to doctors. Students and young people should also understand the condition. Recognising stroke symptoms early and seeking medical attention without delay is extremely important. Quiz and painting competitions are valuable ways of educating students about health. Medical students should share what they learn with society, while schoolchildren can help raise awareness within their families. Such initiatives can take the message of stroke awareness to a wider community.”

Dr. Rajesh Poosarla, Senior Interventional Neuro Radiologist, CARE Hospitals, said, “One of the biggest challenges in stroke treatment is that patients reach the hospital too late. Many wait for symptoms to improve on their own, while others dismiss them as minor health problems. This leads to the loss of valuable treatment time. Warning signs such as facial drooping, weakness in an arm or difficulty speaking require immediate emergency medical attention. Timely treatment can improve a patient’s chances of recovery.”

Dr. M. G. V. Aditya, Senior Neurologist, CARE Hospitals, said, “Stroke treatment has advanced significantly in recent years. In eligible patients with ischaemic stroke caused by a blockage in a major brain artery, mechanical thrombectomy may help restore blood flow. Advanced technology such as a Bi-Plane Cath Lab supports greater precision during these procedures. However, even with advanced technology, delayed arrival at the hospital can limit treatment options. Recognising symptoms and reaching a hospital promptly is therefore critical.” He added that high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and obesity increase stroke risk and should be managed appropriately.

Medical Students Demonstrate Their Knowledge in Stroke Quiz

The Inter-College Stroke Quiz Championship 2026 was organised for final-year MBBS students and medical interns from colleges in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Students from Andhra Medical College, GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences, Gayatri Medical College, Anil Neerukonda Institute of Medical Sciences, NIMS and Government Medical College in Vizianagaram, GEMS and Government Medical College in Srikakulam, RIMS, MKCG Medical College in Odisha and Rangaraya Medical College in Kakinada, among others, were invited to participate.

The quiz covered stroke risk factors, early symptoms, diagnosis, emergency management and modern treatment approaches. Organisers said the competition was designed to strengthen clinical knowledge and stroke awareness among future doctors.

In association with GWS Art Academy, CARE Hospitals organised a painting competition for students from Classes 5 to 10. Children in junior and senior categories used their artwork to depict stroke warning signs, prevention, healthy lifestyles and the importance of seeking timely medical care. The competition aimed to encourage children to take these health messages back to their families and communities.

Mr. G. Sukesh Reddy, Chief Operating Officer, CARE Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, said, “Stroke awareness should not remain confined to hospitals; it must reach every family. That is why we involved both future doctors and schoolchildren in this initiative. Our aim is to spread the message that every minute counts during a stroke. The recently introduced Artiszee Bi-Plane Cath Lab supports complex neurovascular procedures. Along with specialist teams and advanced technology, we remain committed to improving health awareness in the community.”

At the conclusion of the event, winners of the Stroke Quiz Championship and Stroke Awareness Painting Competition received prizes and certificates. Chief Guest Dr. G. Bujji Raju and other dignitaries appreciated the students’ knowledge, creativity and enthusiastic participation. With over 250 participants, the initiative highlighted the growing involvement of young people in spreading stroke awareness and encouraging timely medical intervention.

About CARE Hospitals:

CARE Hospitals is part of Aster DM Quality Care Limited, one of India’s leading integrated healthcare providers, formed through the merger of Aster DM Healthcare Limited and Quality Care India Limited. The combined entity brings together four leading healthcare brands — Aster DM, CARE Hospitals, Evercare and KIMSHEALTH — creating a scaled and diversified healthcare platform with a network of 39 hospitals across 28 cities and more than 10,600 beds.

CARE Hospitals, one of India's leading healthcare providers, is committed to delivering world-class medical services across a range of specialties. With a strong focus on patient-centric care, innovation, and community health initiatives, CARE Hospitals continues to play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare standards in India. CARE Hospitals Group operates 17 healthcare facilities serving 7 cities across 6 states in India. The network has its presence in Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Raipur, Nagpur, Indore & Aurangabad. A regional leader in South and Central India and counted among the top 5 pan-Indian hospital chains, CARE Hospitals delivers comprehensive care in over 33 clinical specialties, with over 3000+ beds.