KEM Hospital to act as central hub as state eyes advanced robotic neurointervention services for rural stroke patients
The Maharashtra Government is planning to launch a Remote Robotic Neurointervention project aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare services for stroke patients in rural and remote areas of the state.
The initiative was reviewed during a high-level meeting chaired by Maharashtra Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar at the Directorate of Health Services. The meeting was attended by Anil Bonde, Uma Khapre, senior health officials, and experts from KEM Hospital.
Senior neurosurgeon Nitin Dange, who had led a pilot robotic stroke intervention project at KEM Hospital in 2020, also participated in the discussions.
Focus on treatment during the ‘Golden Hour’
The proposed project aims to ensure that stroke patients receive advanced medical treatment during the critical “Golden Hour” — the crucial period immediately after a stroke when timely medical intervention can significantly reduce the risk of death and permanent disability.
The initiative is especially targeted at rural and remote regions where specialist doctors, advanced neurological care, and modern healthcare infrastructure are often limited.
KEM Hospital to serve as robotic control hub
According to reports, the project will operate under a “Hub and Spoke” model.
Under this system, Mumbai’s KEM Hospital will function as the central robotic control hub, while district and taluka hospitals across Maharashtra will serve as spoke centres equipped with robotic intervention systems.
Using telecommunication and digital networks, expert doctors based in Mumbai will remotely guide local medical teams during stroke intervention procedures in rural hospitals.
Cath Labs being established across Maharashtra
Officials said the State Health Department is already in the process of establishing Cath Labs at 11 locations across Maharashtra. Out of these, five centres are likely to be selected for the pilot implementation phase of the robotic neurointervention project.
The Health Department stated that much of the required infrastructure is already available, with additional investment mainly needed for robotic systems and related technology.
To improve implementation and accessibility, the project is also expected to integrate telemedicine services such as eSanjeevani.
Government aims to bring advanced healthcare closer to rural citizens
Speaking about the initiative, Minister Prakash Abitkar said that people living in rural areas should receive the same quality of advanced healthcare services that are available in metropolitan cities.
He added that timely treatment during the Golden Hour can greatly reduce the chances of permanent paralysis in stroke patients.
“Instead of shifting patients to big cities, the department is trying to provide modern treatment methods at the nearest government hospital,” the minister said.
