Punjab's Stroke Management plan helps over 700 patients recover in a year

LAHORE: Under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Stroke Management Programme launched in public sector hospitals has emerged as a major relief for stroke patients, enabling hundreds to recover and avoid lifelong disability.

As per official data, more than 700 patients across Punjab have recovered after suffering stroke attacks during the past year. The programme ensures free provision of the life-saving TNK injection, which costs around Rs300,000 per dose.

A 70-year-old patient, Sharifaan Bibi of Thokar Niaz Baig, was recently shifted to Services Hospital after suffering a severe stroke that left the right side of her body paralysed and affected her speech and hand movement. She was immediately treated at the Chief Minister Stroke Management Centre established at the hospital.

Doctors administered the clot-busting TNK injection, following which the patient regained speech within a few hours and fully recovered the affected limbs. Expressing gratitude, Sharifa Bibi said the initiative had given her a new lease on life.

Her son said that had the injection not been administered in time, his mother would have faced permanent disability. He expressed deep appreciation for the initiative taken by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

On the directions of the chief minister, free TNK injections are currently being provided at 14 stroke management centres across Punjab. Fully functional centres have been established at Services Hospital, General Hospital and Mayo Hospital in Lahore, Nishtar Hospital Multan and Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan.

Stroke management centres have also been set up in Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan and Layyah, while instructions have been issued to further expand the programme to other districts.

Emphasising the importance of timely treatment, the Chief Minister said the health of every citizen was the government’s responsibility and providing free, quality medical care remained its firm commitment.

She added that if a stroke patient reached a relevant hospital within four hours, not only could a life be saved but permanent disability could also be prevented.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026