LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has set a target to make 24 additional primary stroke centres (PSCs) functional across the province by June 30 under the CM Stroke Program.
Chairing a meeting here on Friday, she approved the formation of a 12-member advisory committee for the program, to be headed by Provincial Health Minister Kh Salman Rafique, with Professor Qasim Bashir appointed as convener. The meeting was informed that 15 primary stroke centers are already functional, where 700 stroke patients have been administered life-saving injections, preventing lifelong disability. Stroke management centres are currently operational at major hospitals in Lahore, including Services Hospital, Mayo Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, and Punjab Institute of Neurosciences.
Additionally, primary stroke centres are functional 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 multiple cities including Gujrat, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Vehari, Jhelum, Kasur, Mandi Bahauddin, Sheikhupura, Toba Tek Singh, and Khanewal. Phase-II will further expand services to 17 additional cities including Chakwal, Pakpattan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Mianwali, Bahawalnagar, Hafizabad, Chiniot, Lodhran, Khushab, Okara, Attock, Nankana Sahib, Wazirabad, Murree, Kot Addu, and Talagang.
Maryam has also approved the establishment of four additional mechanical thrombectomy centres for advanced stroke treatment, while comprehensive stroke centres are already functional at Punjab Institute of Neurosciences Lahore and Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, with more to be operational soon in other cities. New stroke centres will also be set up at Holy Family Hospital, Allied Hospital, Nishtar Hospital, and Bahawal Victoria Hospital.
The CM emphasized that neurologists and neurosurgeons will 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, and dedicated “stroke bays” will be established to provide rapid and specialized care, significantly improving patient outcomes across Punjab.
Condemnation: Maryam Nawaz has condemned a suicide attack targeting innocent civilians in Bannu. She expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of five innocent citizens including women and children, and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
She appreciated the timely action taken to foil the suicide attack on a police station in Bannu, acknowledging the efforts of law enforcement agencies in preventing further loss of lives.
