On February 28, 2025 the Bhairahawa Stroke Masterclass took place with a total of 72 attendees. The event was held at Manigram Bishram Batika, Butwal, bringing together a diverse group of healthcare professionals, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, and general practitioners. The Stroke Masterclass aimed to advance stroke care in the Lumbini region by providing healthcare professionals with in-depth knowledge and hands-on training in stroke management. It facilitated crucial discussions on stroke awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and rehabilitation.

The Masterclass focused on five core objectives:

  1. Enhancing Clinical Knowledge – Providing healthcare professionals with a deeper understanding of stroke pathophysiology, risk factors, and clinical presentation.
  2. Promoting Early Identification – Educating participants on recognizing early stroke symptoms to enable timely interventions.
  3. Updating Treatment Protocols – Presenting evidence-based treatment strategies, including pharmacological interventions and advanced medical technologies.
  4. Strengthening Rehabilitation Practices – Equipping healthcare providers with effective post-stroke rehabilitation techniques.
  5. Encouraging Multidisciplinary Collaboration – Fostering teamwork among medical professionals for comprehensive stroke care.

The program was led by distinguished medical experts, including Dr. Lekhjung Thapa, Dr. Raju Poudel, Dr. Abhishek Man Shrestha, Dr. Surasak Komonchan, Dr. Balgopal Karmacharya, PT. Bishwas Shrestha and Dr. Christine Tunkl, who shared valuable insights into stroke diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation. Interactive sessions allowed participants to engage in case study discussions, enhancing their practical knowledge.

Program Highlights and Takeaways

The masterclass emphasized the importance of timely intervention in stroke care, with detailed sessions on:

  • The latest advancements in stroke imaging techniques and interpretation.
  • Best practices for stroke rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and speech therapy.
  • The role of coordinated multidisciplinary teams in improving patient outcomes.

Participants highly appreciated the event for its well-structured learning format and expert-led discussions. Many expressed a keen interest in attending similar programs in the future.

Conclusion

The Bhairahawa Stroke Masterclass 2025 was a resounding success, furthering efforts to improve stroke care in Nepal. By fostering collaboration, education, and practical training, the event has strengthened the region’s healthcare capabilities in stroke management. Future initiatives of this kind will continue to bridge gaps in stroke treatment and rehabilitation, ultimately improving patient outcomes in Nepal.