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MULTAN, Nov 28 (APP): Pakistan Stroke Society (PSS) has raised an urgent alarm over the sharp rise in stroke cases across the country—particularly among people under 40—calling it a growing public-health emergency that demands immediate awareness and prevention efforts.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Multan Press Club here on Friday, PSS President Dr. Abdul Malik, Chief Organiser Dr. Shoaib Luqman, Dr. Shabeeha-ul-Hassan, Dr. Wasif and Dr. Wazir Ali said that an estimated 400 people suffer a stroke every day in Pakistan, with young adults becoming the fastest-growing group affected.
They noted that six dedicated stroke centres have been established in Punjab through collaboration between the government and PSS, enabling emergency stroke care at major public hospitals.
The officials highlighted that smog, air pollution, uncontrolled blood pressure, high blood sugar, and widespread tobacco use remain the leading causes driving the surge in stroke incidents. PSS has launched a nationwide awareness drive for both citizens and healthcare professionals, including seminars, workshops and community campaigns.
As part of the initiative, a three-day seminar for postgraduate trainees and young doctors will be held at a local hotel from 28–30 November, providing a platform for emerging researchers to present their work and enhance clinical knowledge.
The speakers emphasised the critical need for the public to recognise the early warning signs of stroke, including sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (often on one side), sudden confusion or difficulty speaking and sudden trouble seeing from one or both eyes.
They stressed that a stroke patient must be brought within three to four hours to designated government hospitals—Nishtar Hospital Multan, Mukhtar A. Sheikh Hospital, Sheikh Zayed Hospital and Bahawal Victoria Hospital—where free emergency stroke medication is available. Early intervention, they said, can significantly reduce disability and save lives.
“Stroke is treatable,” the doctors noted, adding that timely rehabilitation and physiotherapy can help patients recover functionality.
PSS also announced plans to expand awareness programmes to schools, colleges and universities, and has developed an educational booklet to teach students how to recognise stroke risks and symptoms.