WORLD STROKE DAY 2025: PUBLIC AWARENESS AND HEALTH CHECK-UP INITIATIVE

The Department of Pharmacy Practice, K.T.N College of Pharmacy, Chalavara, in association with Valluvanad Hospital, Ottapalam, organized an Awareness Program and Health Check-up on the occasion of World Stroke Day on October 29, 2025. The event was held at Royal Hypermarket, Ottapalam, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with the global theme “Every Minute Counts.” The program aimed to educate the public about the importance of early recognition, prevention, and timely management of stroke.
The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Ms. Jissa Mol Cherian, Pharm D Intern (Batch 2020–2026), who highlighted the growing prevalence of stroke in India and emphasized the critical role of awareness in reducing morbidity and mortality. She set the tone for the session by introducing the objectives of the event and expressing gratitude to all participants and collaborators.
The inauguration was marked by the distribution of informative pamphlets to the general public, focusing on the early signs of stroke, lifestyle modifications, and emergency response strategies. The initiative aimed to empower the community with accessible knowledge and actionable steps to prevent and manage stroke effectively.
A thought-provoking awareness speech was then delivered by Dr. Nikhil Joseph, from the Department of Emergency Medicine, Valluvanad Hospital, Ottapalam. He elaborated on the pathophysiology of stroke, the “golden hour” in stroke management, and the significance of prompt medical intervention. His session was highly informative and helped bridge the gap between medical understanding and community awareness.
This was followed by an inspiring address from Mr. Anoop T. V., Academic Coordinator, K.T.N College of Pharmacy, Chalavara, who emphasized the role of pharmacists and healthcare professionals in disseminating knowledge and supporting stroke survivors through medication adherence and patient counselling.
Adding an interactive dimension to the program, the Pharm D interns of K.T.N College of Pharmacy performed a skit demonstrating real-life scenarios of stroke emergencies, highlighting how timely recognition and hospital referral can save lives. The performance effectively conveyed the theme “Every Minute Counts” in a relatable and engaging way, drawing the attention of the gathered public.
The next session was an enlightening talk on “Stroke Rehabilitation” by Mr. Danesh from the Rehabilitation Department, Valluvanad Hospital, Ottapalam. He discussed the importance of post-stroke rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and emotional support for patients and caregivers. His insights underscored that recovery from stroke extends beyond medical intervention, requiring continuous physical and psychological care.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Mrs. Anjali South, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, K.T.N College of Pharmacy, who expressed appreciation to the organizing committee, speakers, hospital collaborators, and the public for their active participation and contribution to the success of the event.

The World Stroke Day 2025 Awareness Program successfully fulfilled its objective of spreading crucial health information to the community and reinforcing the message that stroke prevention and early action can save lives. The collaboration between the pharmacy college and hospital departments demonstrated an exemplary model of community engagement, interprofessional teamwork, and social responsibility in public health promotion.