Critical Stroke Care in Karachi: A Lifesaving Initiative at NICVD
“Critical Stroke Care in Karachi” National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in Karachi, where lifesaving treatment is available for stroke patients.
Recognizing Stroke Symptoms: Urgency is Key
If someone in Karachi suddenly experiences a loss of power on one side of their body, difficulty speaking, or numbness in the face, particularly in the middle of the night, immediate action is vital. These are telltale signs of a stroke, and experts emphasize that wasting time could lead to severe consequences such as permanent disability or even death. Karachi’s National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) is the leading facility offering lifesaving treatment, especially through mechanical thrombectomy. This intervention, which is only effective within a critical window of four to six hours after a stroke, can make the difference between full recovery and lifelong disability.
NICVD’s Lifesaving Treatment: Mechanical Thrombectomy
Interventional cardiologists or radiologists perform mechanical thrombectomy, a highly specialized procedure, to remove blood clots from the brain. This treatment is crucial for acute ischemic stroke. According to Professor Irfan Lutfi, Director of Interventional Stroke Services at NICVD, this treatment can dramatically reduce the likelihood of permanent disability, provided that patients reach the hospital in time. “Stroke either kills or leaves a person permanently disabled. But if a stroke patient reaches us at NICVD within 4-6 hours, we can perform mechanical thrombectomy, which saves lives and prevents disability,” said Prof Lutfi.
The procedure is available round the clock, free of charge, making NICVD a unique institution in Karachi for this critical service. “No other public or private health facility in Karachi provides this service 24/7 without asking for payment,” Prof Lutfi pointed out. In contrast, the cost of this treatment in other facilities across Pakistan ranges from 1 to 1.5 million rupees per procedure, making NICVD a critical resource for patients who cannot afford such high costs.
Critical Stroke Care in Karachi: Timely Intervention: The Key to Success
So far, the NICVD has performed around 350 mechanical thrombectomies with a success rate of 60%. According to Prof Lutfi, time is the most important factor in determining the success of the procedure. “If the patient reaches us within the four-to-six-hour window, and the stroke is caused by a blood clot, we can remove it and save the patient from lifelong disability,” he explained. However, not all patients are eligible for this treatment, especially those who suffer from small vessel strokes or who arrive too late—after eight hours have passed. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and seeking immediate medical help are crucial steps in saving a life.
Prof Lutfi explained that the signs of a stroke include sudden weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion, and facial drooping. “Anyone exhibiting these signs should be brought to the NICVD immediately. Do not waste time,” he urged.
NICVD’s Expanding Reach: Stroke Care Across Sindh
While the NICVD in Karachi remains the primary facility for treating stroke patients, efforts have been made to expand stroke care services to other parts of Sindh. In addition to Karachi, NICVD centres in Tando Muhammad Khan and Sukkur now also offer mechanical thrombectomy. This expansion ensures that patients in both lower and upper Sindh have better access to timely and effective treatment, reducing the likelihood of permanent disability.
However, the growing incidence of stroke in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas, highlights the need for more stroke centres nationwide. Dr Abdul Bari Khan, CEO of the Indus Hospital and Health Network, emphasized the importance of establishing more stroke care facilities across the country. “We need more stroke centres across Pakistan to ensure timely care,” he said.
The Growing Stroke Crisis in Pakistan
Stroke has become a major health crisis in Pakistan. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stroke is the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death in the country. Unofficial estimates suggest that 1,000 people in Pakistan suffer strokes daily, with approximately 60% succumbing to the condition. Many of those who survive are left with severe, permanent disabilities, underscoring the importance of timely intervention.
Prof Lutfi stressed the need for stroke prevention through healthier lifestyles, noting that high blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for both stroke and heart attack. He recommended lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and the avoidance of smoking and alcohol, to reduce the risk of stroke. “We need to adopt healthier habits—eat less and eat healthily, exercise for at least 40 minutes a day, avoid smoking and alcohol, and control blood pressure,” he advised.
A Call for Local Solutions
While the NICVD’s free, round-the-clock stroke care has been a game-changer for residents of Karachi and Sindh, the cost of medical devices used in stroke interventions remains a barrier. Dr Abdul Bari Khan expressed hope that Pakistan would one day produce its own medical devices for stroke treatment, reducing the need to rely on expensive imports. “We have the talent and resources. What’s needed is dedication, knowledge, and hard work,” he said.
Raising Awareness: Prevention and Quick Action Are Essential
The rising incidence of strokes in Pakistan, driven by factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and unhealthy lifestyles, has put immense pressure on the healthcare system. In Karachi, the NICVD stands out as a beacon of hope for stroke patients, providing advanced, lifesaving care at no cost. However, the key to saving lives is prompt recognition of symptoms and ensuring that patients receive treatment within the critical 4-6 hour window. Prevention, awareness, and swift action are the most effective tools in combating Pakistan’s stroke crisis.
In conclusion, NICVD’s efforts to provide free, high-quality stroke care have already saved countless lives. But as Prof Lutfi and other experts emphasize, the battle against stroke in Pakistan requires more than just treatment—it requires a national focus on prevention, awareness, and the expansion of medical infrastructure across the country.
