Timely treatment can save lives in stroke cases, says Phagwara Civil Surgeon

Highlighting the growing threat of lifestyle-related diseases, Civil Surgeon Sanjeev Bhagat said that timely diagnosis and treatment could save lives in stroke cases.

Speaking at a seminar organised at the District Civil Hospital to mark World Stroke Day, Dr Bhagat noted that the fast-paced modern lifestyle and unhealthy habits have led to a sharp rise in stroke cases across all age groups. He explained that a stroke was a sudden brain disorder that, if detected and treated in time, could be completely curable, but any delay in medical intervention can result in severe physical and mental disabilities.

Dr Bhagat said that World Stroke Day was observed every year on October 29 to create awareness about the prevention, detection and management of the disease. He said that under the National Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Programme, free testing and treatment for conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and stroke were being provided at room No. 2 in the District Civil Hospital, Kapurthala, where patients receive regular check-ups and medication without any cost.

Addressing the seminar, District Family Welfare Officer Ravjeet Singh (MD Medicine) emphasised that stroke treatment was effective if the patient was brought to the hospital within four hours of the first symptoms. He cautioned people against delaying hospital visits or depending on home remedies, stressing that quick medical attention can prevent permanent damage.

Citing a medical study, Dr Singh mentioned that a 10 mmHg reduction in blood pressure could reduce the risk of stroke by 27 to 40 per cent, and advised patients with hypertension to take prescribed medicines regularly to keep their blood pressure under control.

The event was attended by Senior Medical Officer Parminder Kaur, NCD staff nurse Gurpreet Kaur, Superintendent Ram Avatar, deputy mass media officer Sharandeep Singh, Sukhdayal Singh and BCC Jyoti Anand. They collectively urged people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, undergo regular medical check-ups and recognise early symptoms such as sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty in speaking, blurred vision or facial drooping, which could indicate a stroke.

Dr Bhagat concluded by appealing to citizens to remain aware and act swiftly in case of any stroke symptoms, reminding that timely medical help can save not only a life, but also prevent long-term disability.

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