Srinagar, Sept 13: To decongest the huge burden, Kashmir’s two main tertiary care hospitals, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Srinagar (Soura) and GMC Anantnag, will get two MRI machines which are expected to improve patient care services.
A SKIMS spokesperson said amid the huge burden of patients on the existing MRI machine, a process for procurement of a new MRI machine has been going for its procurement.
“We have completed all the document formalities while some formalities are under process. After that the director SKIMS will approve it and then it will be procured,” he said.
SKIMS can easily buy it from Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) but the institute needs a machine with proper specifications as per requirements keeping view of the flow of critical patients that are handled at the institute.
Currently, SKIMS has a lone MRI machine that was installed way back in 2007. It has been facing many issues due to the huge burden of patients and it does suffice patients’ needs.
Recently, it stopped functioning and the technical snags were rectified. Later, it sought a maintenance contract and now it will make the machine functional for the next five years.
An official stated, “Even with three MRI machines at SKIMS, they are insufficient due to the high patient flow. The MRI operates continuously for 12 hours, performing 30 scans daily.”
Similarly, Govt. Medical College Anantnag, the largest tertiary care hospital in South Kashmir, is working on several projects, including the installation of an MRI machine.
“The medical college will get an MRI machine within six months. The process has already begun,” Principal, Govt. Medical College Anantnag, Prof. (Dr.) Rukhsana Najeeb said.
The lack of an MRI machine for public hospitals of four districts in south Kashmir is causing inconvenience to hundreds of patients who are daily referred to Srinagar hospitals.
Patients from south Kashmir districts like Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama and Anantnag suffer problems including delayed diagnosis to patients who cannot afford such type of scanning at private diagnostic centres.
Currently, there are five MRI machines in government hospitals in Kashmir that include one each at SKIMS Soura; Super Speciality Hospital, Shireen Bagh; SKIMS MC&H Bemina; IMHANS Srinagar, and Bone and Joints Hospital, Barzulla.
The officials said that the addition of these machines will improve diagnostic capabilities, reduce patient waiting times, and ensure timely medical intervention.
They said with advanced imaging technology now available at both institutions, healthcare delivery in the region is poised to become more efficient and accessible.
This development marks a crucial step towards upgrading the medical infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, benefiting both local patients and those from neighboring areas.
