Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh has announced a transformative collaboration between the Government of Punjab, Christian Medical College (CMC) Ludhiana, and India Medtronic Private Limited.

This first-of-its-kind public-private partnership in India aims to combat the rising burden of stroke in Punjab by creating a streamlined stroke care pathway for timely and effective treatment.

Dr Balbir Singh said, "The collaboration between the Government of Punjab, CMC Ludhiana, and Medtronic marks a significant milestone in healthcare innovation. With a clear focus on improving access to critical care, this initiative aims to reduce stroke-related deaths and disabilities, setting a new standard for stroke management in India."

The partnership introduces a Hub and Spoke model for stroke care, designed to improve patient outcomes by providing rapid, coordinated care. CMC Ludhiana, a leading Medical Institution and India’s first Advanced Stroke Center certified by the World Stroke Organization and NABH, will serve as the central "Hub" for advanced Stroke treatment.

A network of Government Hospitals and Medical Colleges across the state will act as "Spoke" centres, responsible for providing immediate care and stabilising stroke patients before referring them to the hub for advanced interventions like mechanical thrombectomy.