Health

Health

SKIMS Nephrology Department Marks World Kidney Day with Awareness Programme

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SKIMS

The Department of Nephrology, SKIMS, as part of its campaign on World Kidney Day, organised an awareness programme to educate its staff on renal health.A statement of SKIMS issued here said that this day emphasises the importance of early detection and intervention for preserving kidney health.

During the programme, staff from various departments of SKIMS were given an understanding of how to keep their kidneys healthy and the various tests required in high-risk populations.

Prof Imtiaz Wani delivered the introductory note on the importance of kidneys in health.Dr Manzoor, Dr Rayees, and assistant professors from the department stressed the need to carry out tests on patients with diabetes and hypertension.

Senior Residents Dr Muzamil and Dr Imran, in their presentations, urged to get regular checkups if one has diabetes, hypertension, and obesity and if kidney disease runs in families.

They stressed getting necessary tests done including KFT and urine examination in the high-risk group.HOD Nephrology, Dr Muzafar Maqsood Wani urged the staff to be vigilant about their kidney health and various means of achieving it.

He reiterated the need for screening and said that new hand-held devices that measure creatinine and calculate GFR will go a long way to help in screening the masses even in far-flung areas.

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Health

365 Doctors Appointed in J&K to Strengthen Healthcare in Remote Areas: Sakina Itoo

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Sakina Itooa

Jammu and Kashmir health minister on Monday said that 365 doctors were selected as medical officers in the health and family welfare department in November last year and were posted in far-flung areas to strengthen health care facilities at grass root level.

In a written reply to MLA Shakti Parihar’s question, the health minister said that the vacancies that accrue due to retirement or promotion will be referred to recruiting agencies for recruitment of suitable candidates for ensuring maximum allocation of staff as per sanctioned strength.

She said that with reference to vacant posts of medical officers, recently in November last year, 365 selectees were appointed as medical officers in the J&K Health & Family Welfare (Gazetted) Services.

“These medical officers have been posted in the far-flung and peripheral health institutes across J&K for strengthening the medical/health care facilities at grass root level,” she said.

She added that the department is also in the process of operating of wait list of 91 selected medical officers, whose services will also be utilised in the under-served areas across J&K.

“Besides, 181 posts of medical officers are still to be received from Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission.

Upon receiving the selections, the doctors will be posted at the health institutions experiencing staff shortages,” the minister noted—(KNO)

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Health

SKIMS Forms Committee to Oversee Digitization of Medical Records

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SIKIMS

The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura has constituted a committee to oversee and implement the digitization process of medical records of the Department of Medical Records (MRD).
The committee headed by Prof. Rauf Ahmad Wani, Department of General Surgery, SKIMS as chairman has been tasked to assess and identify the requirements for the digitization of medical records.
It will formulate and implement a roadmap for the systematic digitization of records and coordinate with the IT Department for technical assistance and infrastructure setup.
The committee will ensure data security, confidentiality and compliance with medical record-keeping standards.

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Health

Omar Abdullah Stresses on Improving Emergency Services and Healthcare Access in Rural Areas at JK MediCon-2025

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Omar Abdullah Stresses

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today emphasized the need to improve handling of emergency cases and capacity at various Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) to ease the burden on major hospitals.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring that doctors serve beyond urban centers.

“We need to augment and improve the emergency handling capability and capacity in new GMCs so that the pressure on GMC Jammu and GMC Srinagar is automatically reduced. Similarly, we must ensure that our doctors don’t just practice in cities. I know it’s not a popular thing to say, but rural areas also deserve proper healthcare access,” he said.

The Chief Minister was addressing JK MediCon-2025, the first ever National Conference-cum-Workshop, at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu.

The event was organized by the J&K Medical Council in collaboration with the Student Research Development Council (SRDC).

The conference was attended by Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Secretary H&ME Dr. Syed Abid Rashid, Jammu West MLA Arvind Gupta, Principal & Dean of GMC Jammu Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Chairman JK Medical Council Dr. Muhammad Saleem Khan, senior professors, doctors, faculty and students.

Omar Abdullah highlighted his government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility across Jammu and Kashmir.

“Our challenge is to make healthcare more easily accessible. Professor Gupta pointed out the excessive pressure on GMC Jammu’s emergency services, which stems from the fact that healthcare in peripheral areas is not of the required standard. This forces people to flood into cities,” he noted. He emphasized that the solution lies in improving healthcare infrastructure in rural areas.

“The way to reduce this pressure is not just by expanding our infrastructure in Jammu but by strengthening facilities in peripheral areas. There was a time when we only had GMC Jammu and GMC Srinagar. Now, we have GMCs at the district level,” he said.

Speaking about MediCon-2025, the Chief Minister acknowledged its importance in fostering debates and discussions on key medical issues.

“There are all sorts of debates surrounding the topics that MediCon can address. The good thing is that students are involved through SRDC,” he said.

He also highlighted that participants will earn 11 credits through MediCon, which will encourage greater engagement and enthusiasm.

“I hope the futuristic advancements in medical science will be part of our discussions—how much technology is beneficial, how much human contact should be replaced by machines. While some tasks may be better performed by AI, there are things that only human beings can do,” he added.

Touching on the ethical dimensions of modern medical trends, Omar Abdullah raised concerns about the intersection of medicine and profit-driven healthcare.

“Where do we draw the ethical line in medicine? Is there such a thing as too much ethics? Does the pursuit of profit in medical care conflict with ethical responsibilities? Should hospitals treat patients as a means of revenue generation?” he asked.

He also noted the pressure on doctors working in corporate hospitals, where their performance is measured not by the number of patients they treat but by the revenue they generate.

Delving into the future of robotic surgery and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine, the Chief Minister highlighted both the potential and concerns surrounding these advancements.

“One trend that seems to be catching on is the use of robotic surgery. Principal GMC Jammu mentioned that AI could one day take over medical procedures. Honestly, I can’t imagine a scarier prospect than entrusting my life entirely to a machine. At the end of the day, there is immense value in human contact, and that’s where doctors—who literally do God’s work—play an irreplaceable role,” he said.

He praised doctors for their dedication and lifelong learning.“You pull people back from the jaws of death. You give hope where all hope seems lost. You stand by patients and their families at their most vulnerable moments—whether in recovery or in times of loss,” he said.

“As doctors, you never stop learning. You are always adapting to new techniques, medicines, and treatment methods. But no machine can replace the human touch when a doctor delivers a diagnosis or a prognosis. Patients and their families hold on to every word a doctor says,” he added.

Chief Minister also acknowledged the growth plans for GMC Jammu and expressed his intent to contribute.

“Principal GMC Jammu presented several ideas for GMC Jammu’s future growth. My colleagues and I will ensure at least one of those proposals is implemented so that I, too, can have a foundation stone here and not feel left out in future presentations,” he said in a lighter vein.

He also underscored the significance of MediCon-2025, noting that it is the first of its kind in J&K and possibly in the country, where a state or regional medical council has organized such an event.

“This event brings together the best minds to share ideas, best practices, and research advances while discussing emerging trends in medicine,” he said.Earlier, Principal GMC Jammu gave a detailed presentation on the college’s growth and future plans.”

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Health

Mild COVID-19 May Increase Heart Attack Risk by Clogging Arteries, Study Finds

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COVID-19 infection

Even a mild COVID-19 infection can promote clogged arteries, in turn increasing heart attack risk in some people, a new study indicates. 

Infection of the COVID-19 virus is associated with the quick growth of plaque in arteries that are integral for supplying blood to the heart muscle, also called coronary arteries, researchers wrote in a new study published in the journal, Radiology. 

To make it worse, researchers found plaque in the arteries of those whose COVID-19 was not even severe enough to require hospitalisation. Researchers also believe that the inflammation that comes with the infectious respiratory disease is likely the reason behind the growth of arterial plaque. 

“Inflammation following COVID-19 can lead to ongoing plaque growth, particularly high-risk, noncalcified plaques,” said the director of cardiology at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and senior researcher, Dr Junbo Ge. 

“It’s crucial to anticipate a heavier cardiovascular patient burden in the future as most infected individuals recover from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection,” Ge added.

“Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are at increased risk for myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome and stroke for up to a year,” Ge said.

Health

Minister Sakeena Itoo Highlights Government’s Commitment to Cancer Care at Mission Cancer Conference

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Minister Sakeena Itoo

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today remarked that the present Government led by Omar Abdullah is committed to provide all possible assistance to Cancer patients with creation of best advanced facilities in both the State Cancer Institutes at Jammu and Srinagar.

The Minister made these remarks while addressing a day long conference “Mission Cancer – J&K’s Fight Against Cancer in the coming Decade” at Government Medical College here.

The conference was organised by GMC Jammu in collaboration with ‘BCPBF-The Cancer Foundation’ and ‘Friends of GMC Jammu’, to commemorate the World Cancer day.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Farooq Abdullah; Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Director SKIMS, Dr. Ashraf Ganai; Principal GMC Jammu, Dr. Ashotush Gupta; noted Oncologist of J&K, Dr. Sameer Kaul; Director ASCOMS Jammu, Deans of different specialities, HoDs, doctors and researchers besides large number of medical and paramedical students were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo emphasised the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the rising incidences of cancer in Jammu and Kashmir. She highlighted the significance of early detection, advanced treatment infrastructure and public awareness, in reducing the burden of cancer.

“Cancer is not just a medical challenge; it is a social and economic crisis that affects thousands of families across J&K. We must work collectively to enhance screening programs, promote preventive healthcare, and ensure equitable access to modern treatment facilities across urban and rural areas for all patients,” Sakeena maintained.

She also lauded the efforts of healthcare professionals, doctors and paramedics, acknowledging their role in changing the healthcare landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. She called for greater government support, increased funding for cancer research and expansion of palliative care services.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Farooq Abdullah spoke about the role of medical professionals for the society. He highlighted that the medical is very noble profession which touches numerous lives.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Health and Medical Education, spoke in length about the affect on families going through the burden of cancer. He also called for organising maximum awareness camps in schools and colleges so that people are made abreast about the cancer disease and myths associated with it.

Noted Oncologist, Dr. Sameer Kaul, while speaking on the occasion, spoke about importance of organising such kind of conferences. He highlighted the need for research and development in medical Colleges for the greater good of society.

Principal GMC, in his welcome address, gave a brief about the evolution of GMC Jammu.The conference saw insightful deliberations on early diagnosis, role of technology in cancer care, government initiatives and J&K’s cancer policy.

Health

GMC Srinagar Bids Farewell to Dr. Tasneem Shoukat, Medical Superintendent of SMHS Hospital

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Dr. Tasneem Shoukat

Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar bade farewell to Dr. Tasneem Shoukat, Medical Superintendent SMHS Hospital Srinagar, on her superannuation.

The farewell was attended by Prof. Dr. Iffat Hassan, Principal/Dean GMC Srinagar; Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, Administrator, Associated Hospitals, GMC, Prof Sabiya Majeed Head Deptt of Biochemistry; Prof. Dr. Iqbal SaIeem HOD, General Surgery; Prof Dr.Manzoor Latoo, HOD, Department of ENT; Prof. Dr. Rakesh Kaul HOD Medicine; Prof Afroz Khan, Tahleela Asmat, Chief Accounts Officer, Prof. Dr. Saleem Ittoo, Deputy Registrar, Academics, Prof. Dr. Arshid Hussain, Department of Psychiatry, Prof Dr.Mushtaq Ahmad Chalkoo, Dr. Muzafar Jan, Medical Superintendent, Lal Ded Hospital, Dr. Farah, Block Medical Officer, Hazratbal, casualty Medical Officers, Resident Medical Officers, Staff of administrative office and para medics.
Principal GMC Srinagar highlighted Dr. Tasneem’s exceptional leadership and her contributions to the hospital’s growth and development.

“Dr. Tasneem has been a strict disciplinarian and her professional attitude in healthcare is a role model for others to adopt in healthcare settings”, She said.

Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, highlighted Dr. Tasneem’s tireless efforts to improve patient care and services at the hospital. “Dr. Tasneem has been a true leader, and her dedication to her work has been exemplary”, he said.

Other HoDs also spoke about Dr Tasneem’s administrative skills, her ability to manage complex situations, commitment to providing quality patient care and her efforts to improve the hospital’s infrastructure.

The participants wished Dr. Tasneem a happy and fulfilling retirement, appreciating her overall remarkable services.

Health

No New Illness Cases in Village Badhal Rajouri 87 Families Continue to Receive Care and Support

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use of Organophosphorus

Showing encouraging mitigation signs, no new illness case has been reported among the residents of health crisis hit Village Badhal since January 24, 2025, while the District Administration Rajouri, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, is continuing with the intensive preventive care for their well being.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

To mitigate the situation and prevent further casualties, 87 families comprising 364 individuals were shifted from Badhal to Rajouri. These families are currently housed at Government Nursing College Government Boys Higher Secondary School and GMC & AH and are under observation. Comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure the comfort and safety of the affected families.

Families are being provided with meals, water, baby food, sanitary items, medicines, clothing and other daily necessities under close monitoring of the doctors and district administration.

For comfortable stay of the families, the district administration has provided 240 beds, 490 blankets, and 303 mattresses, while keeping 176 beds, 300 blankets and 240 mattresses reserved.

On-site medical team, comprising three doctors and six paramedics, has been put on duty round the clock. Critical care ambulances are stationed at the venues.

Meals are prepared in kitchens under CCTV surveillance, with food samples sent for testing at NFL Ghaziabad and Patoli Food Testing Lab, Jammu.

Anganwadi workers and Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) are deployed to take care of below six children. Temporary schooling arrangements are in place for school-going children.

Craft teachers and ITI instructors are providing training to individuals in tailoring and other trades. Sewing machines have been supplied by the Social Welfare Department.

Officials from Agriculture, Horticulture and Labour Departments are educating families about government schemes such as PMEGP, Daksh Kissan, e-SHRAM, PMJJBY, and PMSBY.

To ensure the safety of the remaining 808 households (3,700 individuals) in Badhal, the village has been divided into 14 clusters monitored by multi-departmental teams of 182 officials.

All shops and establishments have been sealed, and ration is being provided under strict supervision. Teams are feeding 424 domestic animals and 168 poultry birds belonging to shifted families.

Daily sampling of food and consumables is underway and 167 blood, urine and nasal swab samples have been collected for testing at GMC Rajouri.A control room under the supervision of the Additional District Development Commissioner has been established to coordinate efforts, address public queries, and provide updates to prevent panic.The District Administration is addressing the situation comprehensively and ensuring the well-being of all affected families.

Health / News

Jaundice Outbreak in Gotligund Verinag Village Sparks Concerns Over Water Contamination

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Gotligund Verinag

 Several jaundice cases have been reported in Gotligund Verinag, prompting locals to demand access to safe drinking water.

A health official told Rising Kashmir that 27 cases of jaundice have been reported in the past few days from Gotligund village, with many of the affected individuals now recovering.

“The health teams have been on the ground ever since the rise in jaundice cases was observed in the village. The Chief Medical Officer, Block Medical Officer, and other health officials have visited the area. There is no need to panic as those affected are recovering,” the official said.

Majid Ahmad, a local resident of Gotligund, told Rising Kashmir that they suspect the outbreak is due to water contamination.

“More than half of the village gets water from a lift scheme sourced from the Vethasta spring, while the rest receive water from a reservoir. Many, mostly children, have fallen ill due to suspected water contamination,” he said.

Ahmad added that the problem began on January 13 when a local boy, Salim Shabir, fell ill. Since then, dozens of children and others have developed symptoms and were diagnosed with jaundice.

“Although they are now recovering, authorities should thoroughly inspect the water source and ensure we are provided with safe drinking water,” he demanded.

Ahmad further said that the village consists of approximately 150 households and is located just half a kilometer away from Verinag. He urged authorities to supply water from the Verinag reservoir or another reliable source to ensure better water quality and supply.

Meanwhile, Irshad Ahmad, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of Jal Shakti, said the village receives water through the Gotligund lift scheme, which he claimed is safe.

“While jaundice cases have been reported, water supply testing has shown some parameters within limits, while others require incubation. Our team is currently on-site conducting a thorough examination of additional parameters,” he said.

Ahmad added, “Extensive testing will be conducted across more households in different mohallas of the village. The current water source caters to nearly 30 villages, and regular chlorination is being carried out to ensure safety.”

Health

Shocking Link Discovered in Mysterious Rajouri Deaths,Common factor in All Deaths is involvement of the Brain, Damage to Nervous system: Principal GMC Rajouri 

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Medical College in Rajouri

A mysterious illness has struck the Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in 17 deaths. Medical authorities have rushed to the area to investigate the cause of the illness.

According to Dr Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, Principal GMC Rajouri, a common factor among the deaths is the involvement of the brain and damage to the nervous system.

“Forensic departments from Chandigarh and Lucknow, and teams from MHA are present here. A common factor in all the deaths is the involvement of the brain and damage to the nervous system,” Dr Bhatia said.

He also emphasised the recovery rate of the people affected by this ‘unidentified disease.’ “Out of 9 patients that were admitted to GMC Rajouri, 5 recovered. We have conducted preventive CT scans also, but recovery becomes tough once the brain gets involved,” Bhatia said.

“We are hoping to find the cause (behind the illness) soon. We will educate the people and raise awareness among them like not to exchange foods,” he added.

While the exact cause of the illness remains unknown, authorities have ruled out bacterial or viral infections. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, has assured citizens that the health department, along with other departments, is working to understand the causes behind the incidents.

On Tuesday, JK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Rajouri’s Badhal and assured citizens affected by the disease.

CM Abdullah told reporters, “The day when we got the information, the health department along with other departments have been working to understand the causes behind such incidents… Tests were done, and we reached the conclusion that there were no bacteria or viruses – that caused those deaths.”

“Later, we found that all those deaths happened in three families,” he added. He said that the authorities are yet to ascertain the cause behind these deaths.

“But, we are yet to find the reason behind 17 deaths… Since it’s not a disease, police are also involved in it and they have formed a team to investigate the matter. Central govt team is also there – and we together will look into the incidents to find the reason behind all these deaths…,” CM Omar Abdullah added.

An inter-ministerial team led by the Ministry of Home Affairs has been constituted to investigate the causes of the unexplained deaths. The team includes experts from forensic departments in Chandigarh and Lucknow.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday ordered the constitution of an inter-ministerial team led by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to investigate the causes of unexplained deaths in three incidents reported over the past six weeks. (ANI)