Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Feb 22: Becoming the second institution after GMC Srinagar, SKIMS Medical College & Hospital (MCH), Bemina, is set to begin corneal transplant surgeries.
According to officials, the Department of Ophthalmology at SKIMS MCH has secured a license under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), which governs the transplantation process.
They described this as a “major milestone” that will allow them to perform corneal transplants for patients affected by blindness due to various corneal diseases.
The surgeries will be conducted under the supervision of HoD Ophthalmology Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Sajjad Ahmad, supported by faculty members Prof. (Dr.) Imtiyaz Ahmad, Dr. Nusrat Shaheen, and Dr. Wasim Rashid.
The Head of the Department expressed gratitude to the Director of SKIMS and Principal of SKIMS Medical College Bemina, Prof. (Dr.) Mohd Ashraf Ganie, for his efforts in facilitating the process.
“This will undoubtedly go a long way in alleviating the suffering of poor blind patients,” he said.
Doctors noted that corneal surgeries have a high success rate, and obtaining the license is a significant achievement for the department, enabling them to treat patients successfully.
Since 2013, the Department has been offering Post-Graduate courses and is a leading clinical department providing tertiary care in sub-specialties such as Cataract, Glaucoma, Oculoplasty, Strabismus, and Vitreo-retina.
The Department also operates a state-of-the-art research lab equipped with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, including OCT, FFA, VFA, A-Scan ocular ultrasonography, B-Scan ocular ultrasonography, Optical Biometry, Green Laser, Diode Laser, and Corneal Topography.
Additionally, in 2024, the Department introduced Collagen Cross-Linking for Keratoconus patients after acquiring a high-end C3R laser machine—the first of its kind in any Government institution in the UT.
Overall, organ transplants in J&K have increased from 2021 to 2023. According to official data, 21 transplants were conducted in J&K in 2021, rising to 51 in 2022 and 53 in 2023—all in public hospitals.
Regarding the grant of licenses to hospitals for transplants, the appropriate authority appointed by the J&K Government maintains the updated status. Additionally, every hospital performing organ transplantation or retrieval remains linked to NOTTO.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
