Srinagar, June 24, 2025 – Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting to comprehensively review the functioning of the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Soura, Srinagar, emphasizing a transformative vision for the premier medical institute. The meeting, attended by Secretary, Health & Medical Education (H&ME) Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary, Public Works Department (PWD), Director SKIMS Dr. Mohammed Ashraf Ahangar, Principal SKIMS Medical College Dr. Fazlul Qadir Parray, Chief Engineer (Central) R&B, and other key health department officials, focused on enhancing academic offerings, patient care services, and infrastructure.
Dulloo stressed the urgent need to expand academic programs, directing SKIMS to expedite the addition of 44 DM/MCh courses and 130 MD/MS/PGD seats across 16 critical specialties, with implementation targeted for the next academic year. “SKIMS must align with national standards like AIIMS to deliver world-class medical education and care,” he said, urging the administration to prioritize quality medical research.
| Key Directives | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Expansion | Add 44 DM/MCh and 130 MD/MS/PGD seats by next academic year |
| Infrastructure Upgrade | Overhaul Emergency and OPD sections; submit high-impact proposals |
| Specialized Units | Liver Transplant Unit to be functional by December 2025; proposals for other units |
| Recruitment | Fill 105 revived faculty positions via Public Service Commission |
| Technology Investments | Rs 94 crore in new medical equipment procured in the past year |
The Chief Secretary called for a significant overhaul of the Emergency and Outpatient Department (OPD) services, requesting detailed proposals to enhance infrastructure and patient outcomes. He emphasized the critical need for the Liver Transplant Unit to be fully operational by the end of 2025, a milestone for advanced medical care in the region. Dulloo also encouraged proposals for additional specialized units, such as Centres of Excellence in Cancer Care, organ transplants, Clinical Research, AI in Medicine, and Medical Health, to elevate SKIMS’ stature.
Director Dr. Mohammed Ashraf Ahangar highlighted SKIMS’ growth since its inception in 1982 with 500 beds, noting recent investments of Rs 94 crore in cutting-edge medical technology. He outlined plans for an IT-based referral system to streamline patient flow and detailed the progress of the State Cancer Institute within SKIMS premises. Secretary H&ME Dr. Shah reported the finalization of recruitment rules for non-gazetted posts across J&K’s medical colleges and the revival of 105 faculty positions at SKIMS, now under the Public Service Commission for expedited hiring.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing projects, including the State Cancer Institute’s timeline for full functionality and infrastructure developments at SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, under the Flood Recovery Project. Dulloo’s directives align with recent healthcare advancements in the Valley, such as Paras Health Srinagar’s launch of a 24×7 Level III NICU, reinforcing J&K’s commitment to strengthening medical infrastructure.
