- Dulloo Assures support to achieve excellence in patient care, research, medical education
Srinagar : Marking a significant administrative milestone and providing a fresh impetus to long-pending developmental initiatives, the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, met after a gap of over five years under Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, setting a clear vision for transforming the premier medical institution into a quaternary healthcare facility and Centre of Excellence in the region.
The last meeting of the Standing Finance Committee had been held in August 2021. The revival of the high-level financial and administrative mechanism is expected to accelerate critical infrastructure projects, strengthen institutional capacities and provide a renewed roadmap for the future growth of SKI The meeting was attended by Shailendra Kumar, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Finance; M. Raju, Commissioner Secretary, Health & Medical Education; Prof. (Dr.) Mohd. Ashraf Ganie, Director, SKIMS & EOSG; Prof. (Dr.) Fazal Q. Parray, Principal, SKIMS Medical College, Bemina; and a representative of the Planning Department.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Secretary emphasized the need for SKIMS to elevate its status to a quaternary healthcare facility and a Centre of Excellence, ensuring it meets the advanced healthcare demands of the region. He assured government support for enhancing SKIMS’ capabilities in super-speciality healthcare, advanced medical technologies, and medical education, aligning with the institution’s foundational vision. The Chief Secretary called for a comprehensive transformation in patient care services, urging SKIMS to adopt the latest global medical practices and technologies, and to continuously benchmark against top national healthcare facilities. He directed the administration to develop a detailed roadmap focused on improving patient care, infrastructure, and specialized services, aiming to keep patients within Jammu and Kashmir for advanced treatments. The importance of strengthening SKIMS as a Centre of Excellence in medical education and research, particularly in high-prevalence diseases like cancer, was also highlighted. The Chief Secretary advocated for expanded access to quaternary-level healthcare, ensuring that advanced treatment options are available to all socio-economic groups. Financial Commissioner Shailendra Kumar reiterated the commitment to support SKIMS in achieving administrative excellence and financial sustainability while enhancing specialized patient care. Commissioner Secretary M. Raju acknowledged the leadership’s efforts in improving patient care and research, stressing the need for ongoing institutional growth to meet evolving healthcare needs. Director Prof. (Dr.) Mohd. Ashraf Ganie presented a vision for institutional expansion, focusing on strengthening tertiary and quaternary healthcare, enhancing human resources, and integrating modern medical technologies. The Committee discussed strategic priorities for SKIMS’ development, approving critical infrastructure initiatives such as a dedicated Emergency Block, Trauma Care Centre, and Organ Transplant Unit, as well as a new OPD Block to accommodate increasing outpatient demand. Additionally, the Committee sanctioned the creation of posts for the State Cancer Institute and enhancements in various departments, including Nursing and Medical Technology. Internship programs for nursing students were also approved to provide practical training and skill development. The meeting aimed to accelerate SKIMS’ development, reinforcing its role as a leading regional hub for advanced healthcare, medical education, and biomedical research, with aspirations to rank among the top centres of excellence in the country.
