LAHORE: The Punjab government has initiated significant and transformative measures in the health sector, with major progress reported in the implementation of the Chief Minister’s Stroke Programme.
Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, while chairing a meeting of the Advisory Committee on the Chief Minister’s Stroke Programme on Thursday, said that the initiative marks a revolutionary step in improving stroke care across the province.
He stated that under the programme, free treatment facilities worth more than Rs3 billion will be provided annually to stroke patients. The initiative has received formal approval from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for the establishment of a dedicated stroke management centre in every district of the province.
The minister further revealed that an in-principle decision to appoint both a neurologist and a pediatric neurologist in every District Headquarters (DHQ) hospital is now being implemented to ensure specialized care at the district level.
To strengthen emergency response, the government is also taking steps to launch a telemedicine project for stroke patients. Under this system, doctors at district hospitals will be able to consult specialists and senior consultants via telephone for immediate guidance in critical stroke cases.
Additionally, instructions have been issued to initiate a province-wide public awareness campaign highlighting the importance of timely stroke treatment. Plans have also been finalized to establish stroke management centres in every children’s hospital across Punjab.
Members of the Advisory Committee emphasized that awareness and professional training are essential at all stages of stroke care — including pre-hospital, hospital, and post-hospital management — to ensure effective treatment outcomes.
The initiative is being described as a landmark effort aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare services and improving survival and recovery rates for stroke patients throughout Punjab.