LAHORE: The Lahore General Hospital (LGH) claims to have achieved a milestone by establishing the first public sector state-of-the-art paediatric stroke centre in collaboration with the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences (PINS).

The facility was formally inaugurated by Ameeruddin Medical College Principal Prof Dr Farooq Afzal, Prof Sajid Maqbool and PINS Executive Director Prof Dr Asif Bashir, who termed the centre a ray of hope for children across the country.

Speaking to the media, Prof Afzal and Prof Bashir said that specialist doctors from the LGH and PINS would provide 24/7 modern medical facilities to children arriving from all parts of Pakistan.

Built according to international standards, the centre offers a complete range of services from emergency diagnosis to advanced treatment and rehabilitation, all provided free of cost.

Prof Afzal remarked that stroke in children was a highly sensitive issue, adding that without timely intervention, a child could face lifelong disability.

This unique centre aims to provide all necessary life-saving facilities under one roof to protect the nation’s “precious assets”, he added.

Prof Bashir highlighted that diagnosing pediatric strokes was a significant challenge but the availability of modern machinery and trained experts would now ensure prompt treatment, significantly reducing mortality rates and the risk of permanent impairment.

Meanwhile, Prof Qasim Bashir and Prof Faryad Hussain dispelled the common myth that strokes only affected adults. They urged parents and teachers to remain vigilant for unusual symptoms and to seek immediate professional help rather than attempting self-medication, as early detection was critical for recovery.

The event was also attended by prominent medical figures including Prof Muhammad Shahid, PINS MS Dr Omar Ishaq, Dr Abdul Aziz, Dr Hammad Arif, along with many neurology consultants and experts.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2026