Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the establishment of stroke management centres in every district of the province, aiming to ensure timely and specialized treatment for stroke patients closer to their homes.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Health Department chaired by the chief minister. The meeting also approved, in principle, the posting of neurologists and paediatric neurologists at all District Headquarters (DHQ) hospitals.
Under the plan, one doctor and one nurse from each district will undergo a three-month specialised training programme in stroke management. The chief minister also directed the immediate launch of a telemedicine project for stroke patients, enabling doctors at district hospitals to consult specialists and consultants through direct telephone and telemedicine links for prompt treatment.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif instructed the Health Department to initiate a dedicated training programme for nurses at stroke management centres and to take steps for providing stroke management training to rescue workers. She further directed the launch of a public awareness campaign on stroke prevention and early treatment.
Briefing the meeting, experts highlighted the importance of integrated pre-hospital, hospital and post-hospital care for stroke patients. It was also shared that the “golden hours” are critical for effective stroke treatment.
“The importance of golden hours in stroke treatment is universally recognised. I will personally lead the public awareness campaign,” the chief minister said, adding that the government wanted to ensure that no patient is forced to travel to major cities for treatment.
She also announced that stroke management centres would be established at children’s hospitals across Punjab.
The meeting was informed that one in four people above the age of 25 is at risk of stroke. Neurologist Dr Qasim Bashir from PINS gave a detailed briefing on the proposed stroke management programme.