Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the establishment of stroke management centers in every district of the province, along with a principled decision to appoint neurologists and pediatric neurologists in every DHQ.
The Chief Minister directed that one doctor and one nurse in each district be immediately given three months of stroke management training.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered the launch of a telemedicine project for stroke patients without delay, under which doctors at district hospitals will be able to contact specialists and consultants via telephone for immediate treatment of paralysis patients. She also directed steps to start a nurses training program for stroke management centers and to train rescuers in stroke management.
Announcing a public awareness campaign for stroke treatment, the Chief Minister said that the importance of the golden hours in stroke treatment is well-established, and she will personally lead this awareness campaign. Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that stroke management centers will also be established in every children’s hospital in Punjab, and the government wants no patient to have to travel to big cities for treatment.
In the meeting, PIMS neurologist Dr. Qasim Bashir briefed on the stroke management program, stating that one in every four people over 25 years old is at risk of stroke, and awareness and training for pre-hospital, hospital, and post-hospital care for stroke is essential.
