The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) on Wednesday clarified that a recent administrative order has been misinterpreted in sections of the public and media, emphasising that the institute does not extend any form of preferential or VIP treatment to patients.
In its statement, the tertiary health facility said that all patients are treated on the basis of medical urgency alone. “All patients are equally important to us, and any streamlining or triaging is done strictly according to the urgency of care required. At no stage is treatment influenced by recommendations,” the statement said.
The institute said that the order in question relates to the recently established Medical Social Welfare Cell, which has been set up to improve patient facilitation. Staff members and designated nodal officers have been tasked with assisting deserving and economically disadvantaged patients in availing benefits under schemes such as AB-PMJAY, RAN and the Chief Minister’s Cancer Treatment programme.
The directive, as per the statement, was intended to help poor and needy patients who often approach Raj Bhawan, the Chief Minister’s Office or other senior government offices for guidance regarding these welfare schemes. The order, it clarified, aims to ensure smoother processing of such cases through the appropriate social welfare channels.
SKIMS said that concerns circulating in the public domain appear to be the result of misunderstanding or exaggerated interpretations, and reiterated that it remains committed to equitable healthcare delivery, ethical practices and complete transparency.
“Public trust in healthcare institutions is vital, and responsible discussion is essential to maintaining it,” the statement read, adding, “SKIMS will continue to strengthen systems that support all patients, without fear or favour.”
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