Patiala, Nov 4: The Directorate of Medical Education and Research, in collaboration with leading medical technology company Stryker and Government Medical College (GMC), Patiala, organized a program to raise awareness about stroke, a significant cause of disability. The event, held at GMC Patiala, coincided with World Stroke Day, observed annually on the last Saturday of October.
The program was inaugurated by Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh. Brain stroke is a major contributor to disability in India and globally, with nearly 96 lakhs of individuals affected in India alone, resulting in an annual economic loss of approximately Rs. 2.3 lakh crore. Punjab ranks among the top five states in India for Disability-Adjusted Life Years caused by brain stroke, with a projected economic loss of Rs. 5,550 crores annually.
The awareness program aims to reduce the burden of stroke through timely administration of available treatments and the use of advanced technologies like mechanical thrombectomy. Mechanical thrombectomy has been recognized as a major breakthrough in the removal of clots in cases of ischemic strokes.
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to raising awareness about stroke and improving its management. The recent Health Ministry guidelines acknowledge the importance of mechanical thrombectomy in the prevention and management of strokes.
During the event, stroke awareness booklets in Punjabi and English were released by the Minister to further educate the public about the risks and prevention of strokes.
