India, Nov. 4 -- A round-the-clock helpline for assisting stroke patients has been launched in the city, a first, to help patients with ambulance support and guidance during the critical hours.

An initiative by the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine (MAIINS), the helpline number is 1800-309-0247 and it is said to provide direct assistance to stroke patients from doctors at the institute.

"Only 2% to 5% of stroke patients are treated timely due to the sudden nature of cerebrovascular accidents. Most people vulnerable to strokes experience them at late in the night or during early morning hours," said Dr Praveen Gupta, chairman at MAIINS.

Further, experts said stroke cases usually rise during the winter months and an...