SKIMS gets approval to start DM Critical Care Medicine programme

Srinagar, Nov 22: Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Friday announced the launch of its DM Critical Care Medicine programme, a significant milestone in advancing healthcare delivery in Jammu and Kashmir.

A statement of SKIMS issued here said that Director SKIMS and EOSG Prof Muhammad Ashraf Ganie termed it a major accomplishment for the institute.

He said that the Department of Critical Care Medicine at SKIMS was the only separate and approved Department in J&K catering to critically ill patients from major hospitals across J&K and national institutions.

Equipped with state-of-the-art ventilators and life-saving support systems, the department operates at 100 percent bed occupancy, underscoring the urgent need for expanded critical care facilities.

Prof Ganie underscored the need to have a 200-bedded critical care block at SKIMS and said that the demand for critical care facilities was increasing.

“There is a need to increase the number of critical care beds not only in our institution but also in other institutions of J&K. The administration at SKIMS will make every possible effort and work out a detailed plan for 200-bedded critical care block and submit to the government for consideration,” he said.

Dean Medical Faculty SKIMS Prof Shariq Masoodi overwhelmed by the significant achievement said that following a rigorous evaluation, the National Medical Commission had granted permission for the DM Critical Care Medicine programme with an initial intake of two seats for the academic year 2024-25. “This academic initiative will elevate quality care for critically ill patients, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, enhance emergency preparedness, contribute to societal well-being, and provide skilled manpower for J&K and the country,” he said.

The Department of Critical Care Medicine SKIMS headed by Dr Muhammad Akbar Shah thanked the Director SKIMS, Dean of Medical Faculty, Head NMC Section Prof Fazal Parray, Additional Director, Medical Superintendent and Academic Registrar for their efforts in making this programme a reality.

Dr Shah while reflecting on the DM programme said that the team of critical care was thankful to Director SKIMS and ESOG for his support for this to happen.

“We thank the Dean of Medical Faculty for his guidance and help. We also appreciate the hard work and timely communication, deliberations, and vigorous follow-up with NMC. We are thankful to the NMC head Prof Parray and his team for their tireless efforts,” he said.