Punjab first in India to provide free mechanical thrombectomy for stroke Patients: Dr. Balbir Singh

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Chandigarh, October 30

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh announced a pioneering public-private partnership aimed at addressing the rising incidence of stroke in the state on World Stroke Day on Tuesday. Punjab Health Minister said that the partnership between Christian Medical College (CMC) Ludhiana and India Medtronic Private Limited aims to create an efficient stroke care pathway, ensuring timely and effective treatment for patients.

Dr. Balbir Singh highlighted that this partnership reflects the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s administration to enhance healthcare infrastructure and provide quality medical care to the people of Punjab. “This collaboration marks a significant milestone in healthcare innovation, focusing on improving access to critical care and reducing stroke-related deaths and disabilities,” he stated.

The partnership introduces a Hub and Spoke model for stroke care, improving patient outcomes through rapid, coordinated treatment. CMC Ludhiana, India’s first advanced stroke center certified by the World Stroke Organization and NABH, will act as the central “Hub” for advanced stroke treatment. A network of government hospitals and medical colleges across Punjab will serve as “Spoke” centers, providing immediate care and stabilizing patients before referral to the Hub for advanced interventions, including mechanical thrombectomy.

Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized the urgency of addressing stroke incidence in Punjab, stating, “This initiative will prevent many families from falling into poverty due to out-of-pocket expenses on treatment, as the total treatment cost of around Rs 6 lakh will be covered free of charge for the public.”