Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Soura has become a cornerstone of healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir. With a capacity of 1,050 beds, the hospital sees an impressive influx of over 4,000 outpatients daily.
According to officials, SKIMS plays an integral role in the healthcare infrastructure of the region, serving not only local patients but also a significant number of referrals from various districts across the Kashmir Valley.
Data from SKIMS indicates that their outpatient department (OPD) handles over 4,000 patients daily, receiving consultations and treatments from some of the best medical professionals in the valley.
Additionally, the emergency unit attends to more than 800 patients each day, with around 250 patients being admitted for either full or short stays.
The dedication of the hospital staff, including doctors, paramedics, and other support personnel, has been commendable, officials said.
The facility performs around 60 major surgeries daily, alongside numerous minor procedures and thousands of diagnostic tests and investigations.
Despite these efforts, officials have highlighted an urgent need for additional staff.
Currently, SKIMS operates with approximately 2,500 medical professionals and support staff, but the heavy patient load necessitates doubling this workforce to ensure smooth operations for both local and referred patients.
In addition to the main hospital beds, there are approximately 250 beds available in the medical, surgical, and pediatric emergency departments.
Officials have communicated the need for more manpower and resources to higher authorities, seeking immediate recruitment to meet these demands.
Beyond providing top-tier healthcare, SKIMS also plays a significant role in training medical personnel. Since its foundation in 1978 and official commissioning on December 5, 1982, the institute has been at the forefront of producing skilled doctors, paramedics, and technicians who serve in various institutions across the state, country, and even globally.