Danishwar Hameed
Kulgam, March 5: A high-level team from the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Kashmir, visited District Hospital Kulgam today to assess healthcare facilities and announce a major initiative—free stroke treatment for patients under the newly launched Stroke Thrombolysis Program.
The visit was conducted on the directions of Health Minister Sakina Masood and under the supervision of Director of Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Jahangir Bakshi. The team held an important meeting with Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kulgam, Shaukat Ahmad Parray, and Medical Superintendent (MS) A.G. Raina to discuss strategies for enhancing stroke management and emergency care at the district level.
The Stroke Thrombolysis Program will enable patients who arrive at the hospital within four hours of a stroke to receive thrombolysis treatment free of cost. The thrombolytic injection, which costs approximately ₹50,000, will be provided without any financial burden to the patient.
The visiting team included Dr. Showkat, Consultant Neurologist and Nodal Officer for the Stroke Program, and Dr. Samina, Divisional Nodal Officer, who assessed the hospital’s infrastructure and discussed measures to strengthen stroke care. The initiative aims to improve emergency response and ensure timely medical intervention, potentially saving lives and preventing long-term disability.
Authorities assured that all necessary arrangements and resources would be provided to make the program a success. Further developments and expansions in stroke care are expected in the coming weeks, benefiting patients across Kulgam and nearby regions.
