Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a plan to expand stroke care services across the province. She has set a June 30 deadline to establish 24 new primary stroke centers under the provincial anti-stroke initiative.
During a meeting chaired by Maryam Nawaz, the government also approved a 12-member advisory committee for the program. Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique will lead the committee, while Prof Qasim Bashir will serve as convener.
Currently, 15 primary stroke centers are operational in Punjab. These centers have already treated around 700 patients, preventing long-term disabilities. Major hospitals in Lahore, including Services Hospital, Mayo Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, and the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences, are offering advanced stroke care.
Outside Lahore, primary stroke centers are functional in Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Narowal, Rahim Yar Khan, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Bhakkar, and Layyah.
Under Phase-I of the expansion plan, new centers will be set up in Gujrat, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Vehari, Jhelum, Kasur, Mandi Bahauddin, Sheikhupura, Toba Tek Singh, and Khanewal. Phase-II will cover 17 more cities, including Chakwal, Pakpattan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Mianwali, Bahawalnagar, Hafizabad, Chiniot, Lodhran, Khushab, Okara, Attock, Nankana Sahib, Wazirabad, Murree, Kot Addu, and Talagang.
Maryam Nawaz also approved the establishment of four mechanical thrombectomy centers for advanced stroke treatment. Neurologists, neurosurgeons, and specially trained staff will ensure immediate care for stroke patients. Each primary stroke center will be linked to a nearby neurology facility for support.
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Officials said this initiative aims to improve stroke management, reduce deaths, and enhance patient recovery across Punjab. Maryam Nawaz emphasized that timely treatment and proper facilities are key to protecting public health.
