Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has teamed up with cricket icon MS Dhoni to launch a national public awareness campaign focused on stroke prevention. Through a compelling video, Emcure and Dhoni encourage the public to recognise the signs of stroke and spread awareness by educating at least one person about its symptoms.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in India, with over 1.8 million people suffering from a stroke each year, according to epidemiology studies. Emcure aims to address this pressing issue by educating the public about the signs of a stroke and the importance of timely medical intervention to improve outcomes.
Known for his sharp instincts on the field, MS Dhoni, a former captain and multiple World Cup winner, is now using his influence to educate the nation on the critical signs of stroke. The campaign promotes the "BEFAST" approach, a simple and memorable acronym designed to help the public identify a stroke quickly and act swiftly.
The acronym stands for:
- B – Balance loss
- E – Sudden eyesight changes
- F – Face drooping
- A – Arm weakness
- S – Speech difficulties
- T – Time to call emergency medical services without delay
Just as every second counts in a cricket match, Dhoni stresses that recognising these signs and taking immediate action by calling emergency medical support can make the crucial difference between recovery and lasting damage.
Dr. N. Ichaporia, Consulting Neurologist, Pune, shared:
“For every minute a stroke goes untreated, the brain loses 1.9 million cells. Immediate care at a capable stroke centre can drastically improve outcomes. With the increasing incidence of strokes in India, prompt measures are essential to make public aware about the importance of early identification and intervention. We emphasize the importance of swift action using the BEFAST method.”
This initiative is part of Emcure’s ongoing commitment to educating communities about the importance of stroke prevention and early intervention, aiming to save lives through awareness.