Srinagar, Jun 26 (KNO): Prof (Dr) M Ashraf Ganie, formerly the Head of the Department of Endocrinology, officially assumed the role of Director at the Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Science (SKIMS) on Wednesday. He was warmly welcomed by departmental heads and senior functionaries upon his arrival.
Speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Dr Ganie expressed his commitment to elevating the institution to a global standard.
“The way I was welcomed with love and regard, I hope this will continue so that I can take this institution to the global map,” he said.
Dr Ashraf outlined his top priorities, focusing on improving patient care and integrating research into patient care and administration. He stressed the importance of research in achieving tangible results essential for the institution's progress.
"I have drawn a map since this morning and identified key priorities. The institution has been without a full-time director for some time. In the first 100 days, the level of patient care should reach an optimal level, minimising mortality and morbidity," he said.
He also expressed his ambition to bring SKIMS onto an international platform, ensuring no effort is spared in seeking expertise and support from various quarters.
Dr Ganie highlighted the importance of joint efforts in restoring the institution's glory. "I assure you that I will not leave any stone unturned to bring grand expertise and support from various quarters. That will give me some solace and comfort because I have left some positions which were apparently, in ordinary people's language, better than this," he added.
The new director's vision is to drive SKIMS towards new heights by enhancing its reputation and quality of care on a global scale.
According to the press statement issued to KNO by SKIMS, Prof (Dr) M Ashraf Ganie was received with a rousing welcome by the SKIMS Fraternity. He assumed office following government clearance and due process of selection.
With a long-standing association with SKIMS as a distinguished professor of its Endocrinology department, Dr Ganie engaged in constructive interactions with the staff aimed at fostering administrative efficiency, enhancing healthcare services, ensuring transparency, and strengthening stakeholder outreach.
In his maiden address to the SKIMS community as Director, Dr Ganie extended heartfelt gratitude to the Governing Body and all those involved in the selection process for their trust and confidence in him. He articulated his commitment to elevating the institution to new heights of excellence in patient care, research, and academic standards.
Stressing the importance of accessibility and public relations, he outlined his vision to position SKIMS competitively on the global healthcare stage.
While acknowledging the challenges and opportunities ahead, Prof Ashraf said that SKIMS is not just a healthcare institution but a beacon of hope and healing for countless individuals. "We will leverage our collective expertise to address the healthcare challenges and strive for inclusive and equitable healthcare delivery," he said, adding, "We have the chance to lead by example, leveraging cutting-edge research and technology to enhance patient care, improve clinical outcomes, and streamline operational efficiencies."
The statement further said that Dr Ashraf Ganie, a distinguished endocrinologist of national repute, is applauded nationwide for his pioneering contributions to medical research. He has cemented his legacy as a transformative figure in medical sciences, with an impactful and illustrious career at SKIMS Srinagar and the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
"At SKIMS, his influence has been profound and remarkable. His commitment to advancing medical science is evident through his leadership in pioneering major research initiatives while serving as Sub-Dean Research, Head of Clinical Research, and Nodal Officer MRU. He has played a leadership role in research projects of national importance, notably the National PCOS Task Force study as Chief Coordinator and Principal Investigator for the India Diabetes (INDIAB) study, and the GenomeIndia project, a flagship initiative launched by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India," the statement mentioned.
It added, "With over 200 scientific publications and leadership in pivotal projects, he has garnered international acclaim, including an honorary fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh."
Dr Ganie's prior experience as a senior consultant at AIIMS, New Delhi, underscores his potential to lead SKIMS towards greater achievements in healthcare and academia, the statement read—(KNO)