WORLD DIABETES DAY: SKIMS holds screening camp at Joggers Park; Div Com Kashmir & Director SKIMS jointly flag off Walkathon

Director SKIMS M. Ashraf Ganie urges public to embrace active living and healthy dietary habits.

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 15 (STC): Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) organised a screening camp at Joggers Park, Rajbagh, to mark the World Diabetes Day. Earlier, a Walkathon aimed at raising awareness about diabetes and promoting healthy living was jointly flagged off at the iconic Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar), Srinagar, by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg (IAS), and Director SKIMS & EOSG, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, along with senior faculty members.
Experts from SKIMS screened around 300 individuals, and 20 in a age group of 40- 45 years were newly diagnosed with diabetes. This reflected an upward trend in the burden of the disease. The newly diagnosed individuals were advised to follow up at the Department of Endocrinology, SKIMS for further evaluation and management.
The experts also counselled the general public on diabetes prevention, early detection, and lifestyle modification. Notably, awareness pamphlets on the disease were also distributed on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, lauded the initiative of SKIMS under the leadership of the Director SKIMS. He said, “Such initiatives play a crucial role in early prevention of the disease. Public participation in awareness programs like these is essential to curb the rising tide of diabetes in our region.”
Highlighting the importance of the day, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, world-renowned Endocrinologist and Director SKIMS, said that a significant proportion of the local population is affected by diabetes, underscoring the need for sustained public awareness. He expressed gratitude to Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, for his participation and support in the initiative.
Prof. Ashraf emphasized the need for early prevention, noting that uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications if not managed in time. “People need to adopt a healthy lifestyle,” he stressed, adding that diabetes prevalence is higher in urban populations compared to rural communities. He urged the public to embrace active living and healthy dietary habits.
The director SKIMS appreciated the efforts of the Organising Committee, headed by Prof. Riyaz Misgar and Dr. Aijaz, for conducting a well-coordinated and impactful awareness program. He also thanked the media for effectively highlighting the campaign and helping extend its message to a wider audience, especially at a time when diabetes affects a significant proportion of the population globally, including Jammu & Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the Walkathon was flagged off in presence of Prof. Nisar Ahmad Bhat , HOD Peadetric Surgery & Associate Dean Student Welfare & Prof. Abrar Ahad Wani H.O.D Emergency Medicine.
(Straight Talk Communications)