Sakeena Itoo reviews performance and functioning of SKIMS Soura

Jammu, January 20: Minister for Health and¸, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, chaired a crucial review meeting at the Civil Secretariat to assess the performance and operational effectiveness of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Director SKIMS, Dr. Ashraf Ganai; Director General Budget; Director Finance Health and Medical Education; Medical Superintendent SKIMS, and other senior officers from the Health and Medical Education Department and SKIMS.

In her address, Sakeena Itoo emphasised the pivotal role of SKIMS in providing specialized healthcare not only to the people of Kashmir Valley but also to patients from neighbouring regions. She acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the institute, stating, “SKIMS is the cornerstone of our healthcare system, and its performance directly influences the well-being of thousands of individuals on a daily basis.”

The Minister stressed the importance of maintaining the highest standards in patient care, medical education, and research at the institution. “We must work collaboratively to ensure SKIMS operates at its full potential, offering advanced and quality healthcare services to our people,” she said.

As part of the review, the current state of infrastructure at SKIMS, including inpatient and outpatient facilities, diagnostic centres, and emergency services, was thoroughly discussed. Minister Itoo urged the administration to expedite ongoing modernisation projects aimed at enhancing patient comfort and improving overall infrastructure. She also called for measures to decongest the emergency ward, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective care.

Addressing the issue of staffing shortages, the Minister instructed the Director of SKIMS to recruit necessary paramedics and medical professionals on a contractual basis for key departments, until regular recruitment processes are completed. She emphasised the importance of maintaining transparency throughout the recruitment process.

In terms of financial and resource management, Sakeena Itoo urged the SKIMS administration to uphold transparency and accountability in all financial matters. She specifically called for timely updates on expenditure on the BEAMS portal, in coordination with the Finance Department.

During the meeting, Dr. Ashraf Ganai, Director of SKIMS, provided a detailed presentation on the institution’s ongoing efforts to improve patient care. He highlighted two major milestones for the year: the commencement of liver transplants and neonatal/pediatric cardiac surgery. Dr. Ganai also shared that SKIMS admits over 260 patients daily, with an occupancy rate exceeding 80% in the previous year, underscoring the institution’s vital role in the region’s healthcare system.

Minister Itoo concluded the meeting by reaffirming her commitment to ensuring SKIMS continues to provide exemplary healthcare services and remains at the forefront of medical innovation, education, and patient care in the region.

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