Health Minister Assesses Operations at SKIMS

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 20: The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakina Itoo, presided over a meeting at the Civil Secretariat to assess the performance and operations of the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura. The meeting was attended by various senior officials, including the Secretary of Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Director SKIMS, Dr. Ashraf Ganai; and other key personnel from the department.

During her address, Sakina Itoo underscored the vital role SKIMS plays in providing specialized medical care to residents of the Kashmir valley and patients from surrounding regions, highlighting its unmatched contribution to society. “SKIMS is the foundation of our healthcare system, and its effectiveness has a direct impact on the health of thousands of individuals regularly,” the Minister stated.

She further stressed the importance of upholding high standards in patient care, medical education, and research at this esteemed institution. “We must collaboratively ensure that SKIMS continues to operate at its maximum potential in offering advanced and quality healthcare to our people,” Sakina remarked.

While examining the existing infrastructure at SKIMS, including inpatient and outpatient services, diagnostic facilities, and emergency response, the Minister urged the administration to accelerate ongoing modernization projects to enhance patient comfort. She also called for measures to relieve congestion in the emergency ward for more effective patient treatment.

Addressing staffing issues, Sakina instructed the Director of SKIMS to hire necessary paramedics and other medical personnel on a contractual basis until permanent recruitment can be carried out. She emphasized the necessity of transparency throughout the hiring process.

In her review of financial and resource distribution for the institute, she emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency in all projects. She requested timely updates of expenditures on the BEAMS portal in cooperation with the Finance department.

During the meeting, the Director of SKIMS presented a detailed report on various initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care at the institution. He highlighted two significant upcoming milestones: the initiation of liver transplants and neonatal/pediatric cardiac surgeries within the year.