Punjab to add 24 stroke centres by June end under CM programme

• CM Maryam Nawaz sets deadline to expand life-saving treatment network

• 15 centres already functional, 700 patients treated successfully as CM forms 12-member advisory panel for oversight

• New facilities to cover major cities across province with Phase-I, II expansion to reach over 25 additional districts

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has set an ambitious target to make 24 additional primary stroke centres functional across the province by June 30 under the CM Stroke Programme, significantly expanding access to life-saving treatment, according to a handout from the Punjab DGPR.

Chairing a special meeting, she also approved the formation of a 12-member advisory committee for the programme, to be headed by Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, with Prof Qasim Bashir appointed as convener, said a statement issued from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

The meeting was informed that 15 primary stroke centres are already operational, where 700 stroke patients have received life-saving injections, helping prevent lifelong disability.

Stroke management centres are currently functional at major hospitals in Lahore, including Services Hospital, Mayo Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences.

Additionally, primary stroke centres are operational in cities including Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Narowal, Rahim Yar Khan, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Bhakkar and Layyah.

Under Phase-I expansion, additional centres will be established in Gujrat, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Vehari, Jhelum, Kasur, Mandi Bahauddin, Sheikhupura, Toba Tek Singh and Khanewal.

Phase-II will further extend services to 17 more cities, including Chakwal, Pakpattan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Mianwali, Bahawalnagar, Hafizabad, Chiniot, Lodhran, Khushab, Okara, Attock, Nankana Sahib, Wazirabad, Murree, Kot Addu and Talagang.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also approved the establishment of four additional mechanical thrombectomy centres for advanced stroke treatment.

Comprehensive stroke centres are already operational at the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences Lahore and Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, with more facilities expected to become functional in other cities soon.

New stroke centres will also be established at Holy Family Hospital, Allied Hospital, Nishtar Hospital and Bahawal Victoria Hospital.

The chief minister directed that neurologists and neurosurgeons be appointed at these centres, with specially trained doctors ensuring immediate treatment for stroke patients.

Each primary stroke centre will be linked to a nearby neurology facility, while dedicated “stroke bays” will be established to provide rapid and specialised care, aimed at significantly improving patient outcomes across Punjab.

CM expresses grief over Faisalabad incident

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of three labourers in a lift accident in Faisalabad.

She extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength for them to bear the loss.

The chief minister sought a detailed report on the incident and directed authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.