Srinagar, Dec 16: Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura has proposed a Pneumatic Tube System (PTS) to facilitate efficient transport of medical items such as blood samples and supplies between floors or departments.
Medical Superintendent, SKIMS Soura, Dr Farooq Jan said the institute has proposed the introduction of a state-of-the-art pneumatic tube system to revolutionize the transport of medical items within the hospital.
The system facilitates immediate transport of samples, which, in a manual system, can take time, sometimes up to an hour, as staff only pick up samples at designated times.
SKIMS Soura has become the third hospital in Jammu and Kashmir to have the facility in future after AIIMS Jammu and additional block of Bone and Joints Hospital Srinagar.
“This innovative system aims to ensure the swift and efficient movement of critical supplies such as blood samples, test reports, medications, and other essential items across the facility,” Jan said.
The largest multi-specialty hospital, operating round the clock, emphasizes that timely delivery of medical items is essential for ensuring seamless patient care, according to doctors.
“Once implemented, the system could set a benchmark for other hospitals in the region, signalling a shift towards modern, automated solutions in medical logistics. Officials are optimistic about the project’s approval, viewing it as a transformative step in streamlining healthcare services,” the Medical Superintendent said. “There will be fewer errors in sampling, and the manpower currently used to transport samples can be better utilized elsewhere. The pneumatic tube system will also ensure the confidentiality of samples, medicines and other critical items.”
Officials said currently, manual transport methods can result in delays, particularly during emergencies. The proposed pneumatic tube system, utilizing pressurized air to transport items through a network of tubes, promises to cut down response times dramatically.
They said the system will not only enhance operational efficiency but also reduce the workload on staff, allowing them to focus more on patient care. The move aligns with SKIMS’ commitment to adopting advanced technologies for better healthcare delivery.
The PTS which are widely adopted in hospitals globally facilitate the efficient transport of medical items such as blood samples and supplies between floors or departments.
