79th I-Day: SKIMS reaffirms commitment to nation-building

Srinagar, Aug 15: Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) marked the 79th Independence Day with a vibrant celebration at its premises, led by Director SKIMS & EOSG, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, who hoisted the national flag, followed by the National Anthem.In his address, Director SKIMS reiterated SKIMS’s pivotal role in nation-building, emphasising the institution’s unique position in the region’s healthcare landscape. He reaffirmed SKIMS’s commitment to providing advanced, accessible, and equitable healthcare—delivered with dignity and supported by cutting-edge technology—to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.Highlighting recent achievements, he noted significant advancements in patient care, including the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment and machinery, the renovation and modernisation of the SKIMS Emergency with a dedicated triage facility, and the establishment of a separate pediatric emergency unit.Prof Ashraf shared his vision of SKIMS as a vibrant campus with a strong focus on employee welfare, citing several staff-friendly initiatives already in place. Acknowledging challenges such as staff shortages, he assured that the administration is actively addressing them, with multiple faculty positions already advertised and recruitment processes underway.Underscoring SKIMS’s outreach beyond its campus, Prof Ashraf spoke about its role as a socially responsible institution, reaching underserved areas through health camps and community programs. On the occasion, he called for a renewed pledge to make SKIMS a true centre of excellence and to serve humanity with dedication.He stressed the need to tackle emerging public health challenges, including diabetes, obesity, substance abuse, and rising mental health concerns, as part of building a Viksit Bharat.For the first time, Independence Day celebrations were organised on a grand scale within the SKIMS premises, with a newly designated compound adorned with decorations and equipped with organised facilities. The cultural programme, originally planned as part of the event, was called off in view of the Kishtwar tragedy. Director SKIMS emphasised the institution’s responsibility to play a larger social role in managing such disasters.The celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty, administrative staff, resident doctors, students, and employees, reflecting a shared commitment to SKIMS’s mission and the nation’s progress.