First-of-its-kind WHO centre for stroke opens at CMCH in Ludhiana

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 31
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday inaugurated a first-of-its-kind World Health Organisation (WHO) centre for stroke at Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) here.
Addressing the gathering, the minister said it was a proud moment for the state to host the centre. He added the state faced a significant challenge in managing the burden of stroke cases, with approximately 40,000 new cases being registered each year.
“Treatment for stroke is time-sensitive, and in patients with ischaemic stroke, clot-bursting injections (thrombolysis) should be administered within 4-5 hours after the onset of symptoms. Additionally, in patients with blockage of a large artery, a stent can be used to remove the clot (mechanical thrombectomy) within 24 hours,” he said.
The minister added the State Health Department would explore collaborative opportunities with the centre to train doctors and nurses from government hospitals in stroke care.
“The initiative aims to develop a model of stroke care in Punjab, with CMCH serving as the hub to guide and support government hospitals and medical colleges across the state in managing stroke cases effectively,” he said, emphasising the need for research by the CMCH and other medical colleges on lifestyle disorders among the state’s residents. Dr Jeyaraj D Pandian, principal and Professor of Neurology, said that CMCH’s advanced stroke centre had been working closely with the WHO Southeast Asia Region (WHO SEAR) over eight years to spread awareness about stroke in the region.
Director of Medical Education and Research Dr Avnish Kumar and CMCH Director Dr William Bhatti also commended the efforts of the advanced stroke centre, adding that the centre would strengthen stroke management in Punjab.