On February 7, 2025, Nepalgunj Neuro and General Hospital was the site of an impactful Stroke Masterclass, organized by the Nepal Stroke Project and the Nepal Stroke Association, with co-sponsorship from Boehringer Ingelheim. This event marked a significant step forward in improving stroke identification and treatment in Nepalgunj and surrounding areas.
The Masterclass brought together a diverse group of 63 participants, primarily neuro-related healthcare professionals, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, general practitioners, and healthcare administrators. The program was designed to foster the exchange of critical medical knowledge related to stroke. Discussions centered around stroke awareness, prevention, early identification, innovative treatment approaches, and long-term rehabilitation strategies.
The Stroke Masterclass successfully met its objectives, which included:
Enhancing Knowledge: Participants deepened their understanding of stroke-related medical knowledge, covering awareness, prevention, and treatment.
Promoting Early Detection: Education on the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms early was a key focus, enabling timely intervention for better patient outcomes.
Sharing Best Practices: Expert speakers presented the latest research, innovative treatment techniques, and rehabilitation strategies.
Fostering Collaboration: The event strengthened partnerships between healthcare providers, hospitals, and organizations in Nepal, promoting coordinated care.
Encouraging Community Engagement: Discussions explored ways to raise community awareness about stroke prevention and encourage proactive health behaviors.
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The Masterclass featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including Dr. Abhishek Man Shrestha, Dr. Pradesh Ghimire, Dr. Raju Poudel, Dr. Lekhjung Thapa, Dr. Joshan Neupane, Dr. Bishwas Shrestha, and Ms. Rupal Sedani. Their expertise and insights were invaluable to the program’s success.
The event was expertly coordinated by Dr. Rachana Nakarmi, with support from a dedicated team of volunteers from Nepalgunj Neuro and General Hospital, the Nepal Stroke Association, and Boehringer Ingelheim.
To further enhance stroke care in the region, the report suggests the following recommendations:
Expand Participation: Encourage a broader range of healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, nurses, and paramedics, to attend future masterclasses.
Community Awareness Programs: Organize public sessions to educate the community about stroke risk factors, symptoms (using the FAST acronym), and the importance of seeking timely medical care.
Pre- and Post-Assessment: Implement knowledge assessments to evaluate learning outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
Regular Events: Conduct similar masterclasses periodically to provide continuous professional development and updates on new guidelines and treatments.
The Stroke Masterclass in Nepalgunj represents a significant stride in the ongoing effort to improve stroke care and outcomes in Nepal. By continuing to support and expand such initiatives, the region can look forward to a future with reduced stroke-related mortality and disability.
