Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the establishment of 24 additional primary stroke centers across the province, setting a June 30 deadline for their completion under the government’s anti-stroke initiative.

During a meeting on Friday, she also approved a 12-member advisory committee for the program, to be led by Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, with Prof Qasim Bashir as convener. Currently, 15 primary stroke centers are operational, providing life-saving treatment to around 700 patients and helping prevent long-term disability.

Existing stroke management facilities are located in Lahore’s major hospitals, including Services Hospital, Mayo Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, and the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences. Centers are also functional in Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Narowal, Rahim Yar Khan, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Bhakkar, and Layyah.

Phase-I expansion will establish new centers in Gujrat, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Vehari, Jhelum, Kasur, Mandi Bahauddin, Sheikhupura, Toba Tek Singh, and Khanewal. Phase-II will cover 17 additional cities, including Chakwal, Pakpattan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Mianwali, Bahawalnagar, Hafizabad, Chiniot, Lodhran, Khushab, Okara, Attock, Nankana Sahib, Wazirabad, Murree, Kot Addu, and Talagang.

The Chief Minister also approved four mechanical thrombectomy centers for advanced stroke care. Neurologists, neurosurgeons, and specially trained medical staff will be appointed at these facilities, with each primary stroke center linked to a nearby neurology facility for immediate patient care.