Services Hospital Lahore has achieved a major milestone after becoming the first public-sector hospital in Pakistan to receive the prestigious WSO/Angels Diamond Award for Excellence in Stroke Care.
The international recognition has been awarded to the hospital’s Neurology Department and Stroke Emergency Centre, acknowledging its performance against globally recognised standards for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients.
The award is presented under the Angels Initiative, in collaboration with the World Stroke Organization (WSO) and the European Stroke Organisation (ESO). It recognises hospitals that demonstrate high standards in emergency stroke management, including timely treatment and evidence-based care.
A key factor behind Services Hospital’s achievement was its performance in meeting internationally recommended door-to-needle times for thrombolysis. This is a critical measure in stroke treatment because administering clot-busting medication quickly can significantly improve a patient’s chances of recovery and reduce the risk of long-term disability.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif congratulated the hospital’s leadership and medical team on the achievement. She specifically praised SIMS Principal Prof. Dr. Zahra Khanam, Head of Neurology Prof. Dr. Muhammad Adnan Aslam, and their colleagues for securing the international honour.
The chief minister described the award as recognition of Punjab’s efforts to improve public healthcare and highlighted the role of timely diagnosis, modern treatment facilities and emergency interventions in saving lives.
The achievement places Services Hospital among internationally recognised stroke-care centres and represents a significant milestone for Pakistan’s public healthcare system.
The award also demonstrates how improvements in emergency response systems and specialised medical services can help public hospitals deliver treatment that meets international benchmarks.
