SKIMS Hosts 1st Principal’s Conclave, Inauguration of NAMS Network, and CME Event

SRINAGAR, SEPT 16 – The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) hosted its inaugural Principal’s Conclave, the official inauguration of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) Cell Network, and a Continuing Medical Education (CME) event. This landmark event saw the active participation of Principals from all Medical Colleges across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.Prof. Shiv Kumar Sarin, President NAMS was the chief guest of the function with administrative Secretary of Health & Medical Education J&K, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah as guest of honour and Dr. M. Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS & EOSG as chief host of the function. Pertinent to mention, the govt. of J&K has constituted a high powered committee under the chairmanship of Director SKIMS for principal, GMC Srinagar and principal, GMC Jammu are also the members including other govt. dental and unani colleges.  
Dr. Abid Rasheed Shah in his opening remarks welcomed all the members of the meeting and emphasized the need for a clear roadmap to improve patient care, academics, and research in medical institutions. He urged institutions to identify gaps and create actionable plans to enhance the quality of academic research, focusing on producing impactful research that addresses regional problems. Dr. Shah committed to supporting the discussed initiatives and ensuring the prompt resolution of identified issues, praising the SKIMS team lead by Dr. Ganie for organizing the symbolic event.
Prof. Shariq R. Masoodi, Dean of Medical Faculty SKIMS welcomed the dignitaries and set the tone for the meeting and briefly highlighted the importance of the principal’s conclave, providing a critical platform for discussing ways to enhance medical education, research, and healthcare services in the region.
The Principal’s Conclave, chaired by Dr. M. Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS & EOSG, while chairing the meeting, welcomed all the principals, nodal officers, SKIMS faculty, and other attendees. He expressed gratitude to Shri Atal Dulloo, worthy chief secretary and Dr. Syed Abid Rashid for giving the opportunity to lead the building college initiative of J&K Government. He assured that his team, in collaboration with all stakeholders, would develop a strategic plan to address the deficiencies through a scientific SWOT analysis approach. This plan will focus on identifying gaps, securing funding, and devising effective solutions. The meeting was attended by Dr. Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal/Dean GMC Srinagar, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal/Dean GMC Jammu, Dr. Ruby Reshi, Principal GMC Baramulla, Dr. Rukhsana Najeeb, Principal GMC Anantnag, Dr. Surinder K Atri, Principal GMC Kathua, Dr. Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, Principal GMC Rajouri, Dr. Rakesh Bahl, Principal GMC Doda, Dr. Mrityunjay Gupta, Principal GMC Udhampur, Dr.Khurshid A Wani, Principal GMC, Handawara, Dr.Ajaz Ahmad Shah, Principal/Dean GDC Srinagar, Dr. Parveen A Lone, Principal/Dean IGGDC Jammu. All participating principals expressed a strong commitment to working together to elevate healthcare infrastructure and services in J&K. They thanked Director SKIMS and his team for creating a valuable forum for dialogue and action. This brainstorming ended up in a plan of action for providing a comprehensive white paper to the government. .
Following the conclave, all dignitaries participated in the inaugural session of the NAMS J&K Ladakh Network at the SKIMS auditorium. Dr. Shiv Kumar Sarin inaugurated NAMS network and highlighted NAMS’s initiatives, activities, and its global network that facilitates academic research, exchange programs, collaborations, and prestigious fellowships. A CME event focused on antimicrobial stewardship held under the banner of NAMS India featured a series of insightful presentations and discussions chaired by Dr Ajaz A Malik, Convener NAMS, SKIMS, Dr. Sanaullah Shah, Prof & Head General Medicine, SKIMS, Dr. Bashir A Fomda, Prof & Head  Microbiology, and Dr. Anjum Fazli, Prof & Head Community Medicine. The presentations aimed at enhancing understanding and implementation of antimicrobial stewardship practices.
The inauguration of the NAMS network at SKIMS represents a significant step forward. All participating medical colleges will establish similar NAMS cells, fostering a network of excellence. Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie convenor of J&K Ladakh Chapter extended his appreciation to the principals and organizers, coordinators of the event, including Dr. Ajaz A Malik, convener NAMS SKIMS, Dr. Gowhar Mufti, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Syed Mudassir Qadri, Department of Medicine, Dr. Mir Mohammad Hussain, Department of Medical Oncology, and Dr. Suhail Mantoo, Department of General Medicine, Dr. Zubaida Rasool, Department of Pathology including Dr. G.H Yatoo, Head Hospital Administration and Dr. Imtiyaz A Wani, Scientist D, SKIMS, Mr. Vaqar Gani Tantray, Scientist C, SKIMS.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Aiffa Aiman from the Department of Pathology. Dr. Aiman expressed gratitude to all speakers, participants and other technical and other staff for their valuable contributions and engagement throughout the CME.