Director SKIMS calls for comprehensive screening strategy for early diagnosis of COPD

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, NOVEY 21 (STC): Director Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, has called for a comprehensive screening strategy to enable early diagnosis of non-communicable diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Citing recently published research in JAMA, he noted the high prevalence of lung cancer in J&K, where smoking remains a major risk factor common to both diseases.
“Early diagnosis and prevention are central to reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases,” he emphasized.
Prof. Ashraf was speaking as chief guest at an event to observe the World COPD Day organised by the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, SKIMS. Notably, the event featured a series of expert lectures during a day-long CME-cum-Workshop themed “Shortness of Breath – Think COPD.”
Notably, the SKIMS issued a comprehensive public health advisory on three common winter-related health conditions, urging people to take necessary precautions.
appreciated the Department of Pulmonary Medicine for its remarkable progress. He expressed satisfaction over the establishment of the newly carved-out Pulmonary ICU and the standardized Paediatric Pulmonary Lab, stressing that SKIMS must now strive to achieve global recognition through its specialised skills and resources.
The Director further informed that SKIMS will soon receive 100 ventilators and two additional oxygen plants, with procurement already initiated by JKMSCL. He underlined the parallel need for trained manpower, assuring that he is personally exploring all avenues to fill the gap alongside infrastructure expansion.i
As part of the event, the Departments of General Medicine, Cardiology, and Neurology jointly issued a Winter Health Advisory, focusing on public awareness and precautionary measures to manage common health conditions during the cold season. Director SKIMS reiterated the institute’s responsibility as a premier healthcare centre to reach out to the community with research-backed guidance and patient-care advisories.
Tariq H. Ganie, Managing Director, JKMSCL and Guest of Honour on the occasion, praised SKIMS as a “household name in healthcare” and assured full support to strengthen patient-care services. He reaffirmed JKMSCL’s commitment to providing ventilators and other essential support in anticipation of rising winter-related health conditions.
Dean Medical Faculty SKIMS Prof. G. M. Gulzar and Principal SKIMS Medical College Prof. Fazal Q. Parray also spoke on the occasion, commending the Department of Pulmonary Medicine for conducting the important awareness programme.
HOD Internal Medicine Prof. Sunaullah Shah delivered an overview of COPD, noting that over 4 million people globally are affected, with a 12% worldwide prevalence, while J&K witnesses a higher prevalence at 14.5%. He reaffirmed that COPD continues to be the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases, underscoring the urgent need for early diagnosis and preventive strategies.
Former HOD Prof. Rafi A. Jan was felicitated for receiving a prestigious fellowship recognising SKIMS’ outstanding contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Nazia Mehfooz, Organising Secretary.

(Straight Talk Communications)