A First-of-Its-Kind Initiative in Mumbai
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, has introduced an AI-enabled Hub-and-Spoke stroke care model that connects diagnostic centres across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai with its specialised stroke team in real time. By enabling early stroke detection and rapid clinical response, the model significantly reduces treatment delays and improves patient outcomes.
Addressing the Critical ‘Golden Window’
With stroke cases rising sharply across India, delays in diagnosis and referral often result in irreversible disability or death. Recognising the importance of the 4.5-hour “golden window” for stroke treatment, Gleneagles Hospital conceptualised this AI-driven model to ensure that diagnosis immediately translates into action. Under this system, diagnostic centres function as spokes, while Gleneagles Hospital serves as the central hub for advanced stroke care.
How the AI-Based Stroke Network Works
As soon as a CT or MRI scan at a connected diagnostic centre suggests a stroke, the AI software instantly alerts the hospital’s stroke team. This real-time notification enables faster clinical decision-making, prompt patient transfer, and timely initiation of treatment—often even before the patient reaches the hospital.
Specialist Team at the Core
Dr. Nitin Dange leads the stroke response team, with support from Dr. Shirish Hastak, Dr. Pankaj Agarwal, Dr. Kushal Bhatia, and Dr. Mayur Gharat. The team receives immediate AI-generated alerts on their mobile devices the moment a suspected stroke is detected at any participating diagnostic centre.
Understanding Stroke and the Urgency of Time
A stroke occurs either when blood flow to the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Common risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Without timely treatment, a stroke can lead to paralysis, loss of speech, permanent disability, or death. Unfortunately, many patients lose critical time due to delayed referrals or presentation at centres lacking advanced stroke facilities. To bridge this gap, Gleneagles Hospital developed a system that ensures rapid escalation from diagnosis to treatment.
Expert Insights on the AI Stroke Model
Explaining the initiative, Dr. Nitin Dange, Director – Interventional Neurology and Neurosurgery at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, said the hospital launched the AI-based Hub-and-Spoke model to address both the growing burden of stroke and the delays commonly seen in treatment. Over the past six months, the hospital has installed the AI software at selected CT and MRI diagnostic centres in areas such as Ghatkopar, Mulund, and Panvel in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
He added that once a scan indicates a stroke, the software automatically identifies whether it is a bleeding or blockage stroke, estimates the time of onset, and sends instant alerts to the stroke team. This allows immediate action. In cases of ischemic stroke detected within the 4.5-hour window, the team can even initiate thrombolysis during patient transfer, followed by advanced procedures such as mechanical thrombectomy at the hospital. So far, three to four patients treated under this model have shown good recovery.
Leadership Perspective on Integrated Stroke Care
Highlighting the broader vision, Dr. Bipin Chevale, CEO, Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai, said the Hub-and-Spoke model goes beyond technology. According to him, it focuses on saving time, preserving brain function, and saving lives. By directly linking diagnostic centres with stroke specialists, the hospital ensures that patients do not lose crucial minutes due to uncertainty or delays. He also noted that expanding the network and collaborating with more centres will play a vital role in improving outcomes and building public awareness around stroke care.
Benefits of the Hub-and-Spoke Model
As per the press release, the AI-enabled Hub-and-Spoke model offers clear advantages for both diagnostic centres and hospitals. Diagnostic centres become active partners in life-saving care by ensuring that stroke findings are immediately escalated to specialists. At the same time, the hospital benefits from early clinical insights, faster patient transfers, optimal use of the golden window, and improved outcomes.
Setting a New Standard in Stroke Care
By creating a seamless, technology-driven link between diagnosis and intervention, Gleneagles Hospital’s AI-based stroke model reduces delays, optimises resources, and sets a new benchmark for coordinated and timely stroke care in India.