WE THE PEOPLE
Gastroenterology Department of SKIMS offers brighter outlook; with very few Grey areas
But people urge Govt., to provide it requisite number of docs and paramedics to meet growing demand of patients
By: Rameez Makhdoomi
Srinagar: The Department of Gastroenterology Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, Srinagar has done pioneering work in the fields of Biliary Ascariasis, wherein its etiology, natural history and management, particularly endoscopic treatment has been defined. Aspiration as primary treatment for viral hepatitis, particularly due to HVE has been studied extensively. The Department has shown the efficacy of oral Omeprazole in the acute management of upper GI bleeds, which has reportedly been published in New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). The facilities available in the department besides routine care include nearly every interventional modality including ERCP, endoscopic therapeutic procedures and esophageal diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
When this correspondent of Mirror of Kashmir visited the concerned Department; there was a heavy flow of patients in the wards and at treatment points. By and large patients and their attendants were satisfied with the facilities and treatment provided at the Department of Gastroenterology. Mohammed Sultan, a patient attendant said, “The facilities and services provided by the Gastroenterology Department are quite excellent. Doctors are punctual and treat patients in the best possible manner and by and large the Department is in quiet good shape.”
Ibrahim Syed, a patient said, “The Gastroenterology Department is in good shape; as facilities and treatment provided are up to the mark. The cleanliness is also quite impressive.” Shafat Ahmad, a patient said, “The treatment and facilities provided by Gastroenterology Department meet the desired standard and as such we have not encountered any big problem. Heavy flow of patients is a norm; as SKIMS is the largest Hospital of our valley.”
Farooq Ahmad, a patient had same sentiments to echo. “The Department is in good shape and tests are carried out on due dates and treatment is provided as required. The doctors behave in a sympathetic way .By and large, the Gastroenterology Department is in a healthy shape,” said Farooq. But on the other side of the mirror, there were a few patients and attendants, who had some problems to share. Gulam Muhammad, a patient attendant said, “Although the treatment provided is good; but those who have some influence or approach are allowed to have their check up first, which needs to be checked for the overall betterment.” Mushtaq Ahmad, a patient said, “There is a heavy flow of patients and the number of the doctors and the staff coping with this flow are insufficient and some patients allowed to have their check up first; despite coming late; probably they have a some sort of influence or approach.”
While talking to this correspondent of Mirror of Kashmir, Head of Department (HOD); Gastroenterology Department, Dr. Showkat Ali Zargar said, “We are trying our level best to provide the best possible treatment to patients and our Department can certainly compete with the best. As far as allowing somebody special treatment or allowing him or her without waiting is concerned; let me assure that such things don’t happen. Actually it is true that patients have to wait for long durations of time, because the flow of patients is heavy. On an average daily basis, we nearly deal with 200-225 patients. While the strength of doctors and staff is not sufficient enough to match the heavy flow. Despite these facts, we are certainly doing our best to satisfy the patients and to provide them the required care.”
However, it needs to be reiterated that there are strong allegations against docs indulging in private practice working in the SKIMS Soura, especially in Radiology, Pathology and Neurology Departments despite governmental ban. Hence people urge the Government to come down heavily on such docs. Similarly, the Government should take steps to improve quality of education, as it will, otherwise, push down our next generation in national as well as in global competitions. This has already become evident by annual results of Government schools. Privatization of education needs to be understood through an ethical lens and audited. In fact, there is dire need to impose ban on private tuition by Government teachers and professors as has been done in case of the doctors working in Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura. There should be no discriminatory attitude, but a uniform yardstick needs to be applied to improve quality education and patient-care in Jammu and Kashmir.
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