Srinagar, Apr 7: In a significant development on World Health Day, Director Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Dr Muhammad Ashraf Ganaie, announced a major infrastructural upgrade at the premier health institute.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Dr Ganaie revealed that SKIMS has procured state-of-the-art medical equipment worth over Rs 50 crore, with additional equipment worth Rs 40 crore set to be acquired in the coming months. The institute has already placed a demand for over Rs 55 crore to ensure the hospital is equipped with the latest modern medical technology.
Dr Ganaie as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust, said that the procurement process has been carried out through proper channels, and the objective is to upgrade SKIMS to meet the highest standards of patient care and clinical excellence. The newly acquired equipment includes advanced life-supporting and diagnostic systems that are expected to significantly enhance the institute’s capability to deliver specialized treatments and handle critical care cases more efficiently.
The newly procured medical technology includes 150 ICU beds, high-end visualizer towers for kidney transplants, neurosurgery drills, biochemistry and urine analyzers, CT simulators, endoscopy units, portable X-ray and ultrasound systems, paediatric bronchoscopy tools, phototherapy units, high flow nasal therapy machines, bubble CPAP units, anaesthesia workstations, and a water filtration plant, among others.
On the administrative front, the Director announced the promotion of 1,000 employees through Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs), a move that coincides with the occasion of World Health Day and is seen as a morale booster for the workforce.
Responding to questions about earlier lapses in fund utilization, Dr Ganaie said a committee will be constituted to examine the reasons behind the non-utilisation of allocated funds in previous years. “We are not here to accuse anyone, but we do want accountability. It’s important to understand why funds lapsed so we can avoid similar issues in the future,” he said.
Dr Ganaie also welcomed constructive criticism and feedback from the public and stakeholders but urged that SKIMS, as a vital public institution, should not be unfairly maligned. “This institute belongs to all of us. While we are open to suggestions for improvement, let us not undermine its credibility. SKIMS is our shared asset,” he remarked.
Principal of JVC Bemina, Dr Fazal Parray, who was also present during the press conference, highlighted the transparent procurement and administrative systems in place at SKIMS. He noted that teams from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) have regularly visited the institute—not to investigate corruption—but to educate staff about ethical conduct and the consequences of malpractice. “There is a proper mechanism in place that leaves no space for corruption. Our purchasing system is robust, and our staff is well-aware of their responsibilities,” he said.
Head of Hospital Administration, Dr Ghulam Hasan Itoo, praised the consistent performance of SKIMS and said the institute has been delivering quality healthcare to patients across the valley with utmost dedication. “We have the infrastructure, the manpower, and above all, the intent to serve. SKIMS continues to rank among the best healthcare institutions in the country,” he added.
Medical Superintendent, Dr Farooq Jan, also expressed appreciation for the progress made and reiterated SKIMS’ commitment to providing top-tier medical care to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]
