In a landmark initiative to strengthen stroke care in eastern Nepal, the Nepal Stroke Project and Nepal Stroke Association hosted a two-day Stroke Masterclass and Awareness Campaign in Itahari and Biratnagar on April 25–26, 2025.
Day 1 brought together over 70 healthcare professionals—neurologists, nurses, physiotherapists, and young doctors—for an intensive Masterclass held at Hotel Soaltee Westend, Itahari. The sessions focused on early recognition, evidence-based treatment, and innovations in long-term stroke management. Through interactive discussions and hands-on materials, participants left better equipped to improve care in their communities.
Day 2 shifted attention to the grassroots, engaging 33 health workers from all 19 wards of Biratnagar in a community awareness campaign. Participants raised crucial concerns about barriers in patient referrals, especially from public to private facilities. A highlight was the announcement that thrombolytic treatment is now available free of charge in select government hospitals—an important step toward equitable access.
The campaign exemplified the power of collaboration across sectors—from tertiary care specialists to ward-level health workers—each playing a critical role in reducing the burden of stroke. The event’s success reaffirmed the importance of continued training, system-wide communication, and accessible public services in the fight against stroke in Nepal.
As the Nepal Stroke Project and its partners look ahead, the focus remains on sustaining momentum: building capacity, deepening community outreach, and ensuring that stroke care becomes both accessible and affordable for all.
We are looking forward to the next MasterClass in Pokhara in May 2025!
