Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 12: The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, today launched its Medical Social Welfare Cell aimed at providing financial assistance to economically weaker patients through various government health schemes.
The Cell was inaugurated by Director SKIMS, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, who said the initiative is intended to streamline and coordinate financial aid for deserving patients.
“This step aligns with SKIMS’s commitment to inclusive and compassionate healthcare, reinforcing its mission to provide equitable medical support to all sections of society,” he said.
Officials said the Medical Social Welfare Cell will act as an umbrella centre to guide and assist patients in availing support under multiple Government-sponsored schemes and collaborations with NGOs.
“The Cell will ensure hassle-free and transparent facilitation for patients seeking financial help,” they added.
They noted that SKIMS is empanelled under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) scheme of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, which provides financial assistance to poor patients suffering from life-threatening illnesses.
“In addition, SKIMS also extends support through other government and NGO-based schemes, ensuring that no patient is denied treatment for want of resources,” the officials said.
The inauguration was held in connection with the observance of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, celebrated by the Department of Radiation Oncology, SKIMS.
The department also organized a day-long Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on palliative care to highlight the importance of compassionate and comprehensive care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofar Khan, was the chief guest on the occasion.
Prof. Ashraf Ganie was accompanied by Dr. G. K. Rath, a renowned oncologist and former Head of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Jhajjar, known for his pioneering contributions to cancer care, research, and radiotherapy development in India.
Others present included Prof. G. M. Gulzar, Dean Medical SKIMS; Prof. Fazal Q. Parray, Principal SKIMS Medical College and Convenor, Medical Social Welfare Cell; Prof. Sunaullah Shah; Prof. Maqbool, former HOD Radiation Oncology SKIMS; Prof. Haroon Rashid, Nodal Officer, Ayushman Bharat; and several other guests.
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