LAHORE(National Times)- Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the establishment of Stroke Management Centres in every district of the province to ensure timely and effective treatment for stroke patients. The chief minister has given in-principle approval for the deployment of neurologists and paediatric neurologists at all DHQ hospitals. In addition, one doctor and one nurse from each district will be provided three months of specialised stroke management training on an urgent basis. Maryam Nawaz also directed the immediate launch of a telemedicine project for stroke patients, enabling doctors at district hospitals to seek instant guidance from specialists and consultants via telephone for emergency treatment. The chief minister ordered the initiation of a nurses’ training programme for stroke management centres and the launch of a public awareness campaign on stroke prevention and timely treatment. She stressed the critical importance of “golden hours” in stroke care and said she would personally lead the awareness campaign. She further announced that stroke management centres will also be established in every children’s hospital across Punjab, adding that no patient should be forced to travel to major cities for treatment. During a special meeting, PIMS neurologist Dr Qasim Bashir briefed the chief minister on the stroke management programme, highlighting that one in four people over the age of 25 is at risk of stroke. He emphasised that awareness and training for pre-hospital, hospital, and post-hospital stroke care are essential to reduce mortality and long-term disability.