Pakistan’s first Pediatric Stroke Center established in LGH

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Apr, 2026) A historic milestone has been achieved in the province’s medical history as the Lahore General Hospital (LGH), in collaboration with the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences (PINS), has established Pakistan’s first Pediatric Stroke Center under the “Healthy Punjab” program of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

The facility was formally inaugurated on Thursday by Principal Ameer-ud-Din Medical College Prof Dr Farooq Afzal, Prof Sajid Maqbool and Executive Director PINS Prof. Dr. Asif Bashir, who described the center as a ray of hope for children across the country.

Speaking to the media, Prof Farooq Afzal and Prof Asif Bashir said that specialist doctors from LGH and PINS will provide round-the-clock modern medical facilities to children arriving from all parts of Pakistan. The center, established in line with international standards, offers comprehensive services ranging from emergency diagnosis to advanced treatment and rehabilitation, all free of cost.

Prof Farooq Afzal highlighted that stroke in children is a highly sensitive issue and without timely intervention, it can lead to lifelong disability.

He added that the center aims to provide all essential life-saving facilities under one roof to protect the nation’s precious assets.

Prof Dr Asif Bashir stated that diagnosing pediatric strokes had previously been a major challenge, but the availability of modern equipment and trained specialists will now ensure prompt treatment, significantly reducing mortality rates and the risk of permanent impairment.

Meanwhile, Prof Qasim Bashir and Prof Faryad Hussain dispelled the misconception that strokes only affect

adults.

They urged parents and teachers to remain alert to unusual symptoms in children and seek immediate medical assistance instead of relying on self-medication, emphasizing that early detection is vital for recovery.

Medical experts expressed satisfaction over the advanced healthcare infrastructure.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent medical professionals including Prof Muhammad Shahid, MS PINS Dr Omar Ishaq, Dr Yahya Sultan, Dr Abdul Aziz, Dr Hammad Arif, Dr Anum Batool, Dr Sanam Allah Yar, Dr Sundas Tahir and Nursing Superintendent Saima Fateh, along with a large number of neurology consultants and experts.