Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique announced that the Chief Minister’s Stroke Program will provide free treatment worth over Rs. 3 billion annually for stroke patients throughout the province. The program aims to expand access to stroke care, reduce preventable deaths, and improve early intervention services. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the establishment of a dedicated stroke management center in every district to ensure timely and specialized care.
The initiative includes appointing a neurologist and a pediatric neurologist at each District Headquarters Hospital, along with training programs for doctors and nurses in immediate stroke management. A telemedicine system will enable district hospitals to consult with specialists for rapid decision-making, ensuring patients receive treatment during the critical “golden hours.”
Officials confirmed that a public awareness campaign will highlight the importance of early treatment, while existing health resources will be integrated to strengthen the program. Professor Qasim Bashir noted that one in four individuals over the age of 25 faces the risk of stroke, emphasizing the need for timely medical intervention and province-wide readiness. Training workshops for medical staff are set to begin soon, reinforcing the program’s focus on prevention, treatment, and comprehensive stroke care.
