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Even few absences can affect patient care at SKIMS

The situation is further complicated by the winter season, which sees a significant increase in patients, particularly those with respiratory ailments
12:07 AM Jan 17, 2025 IST | ZEHRU NISSA
even few absences can affect patient care at skims
Even few absences can affect patient care at SKIMS
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Srinagar, Jan 16: As winter brings with it a surge in patient load, the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) authorities are facing a daunting challenge: a severe staff shortage.

With 60% of its posts lying vacant, SKIMS is already operating with a skeletal staff. The situation is further complicated by the winter season, which sees a significant increase in patients, particularly those with respiratory ailments.

During winters, many faculty members also proceed on Winter Vacation as per a roaster, each availing about a month. In this context, SKIMS authorities have issued a stern warning to employees against taking unapproved leaves, emphasizing how even a few personnel off-duty can trigger a crisis.

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"In view of the acute staff shortage and the winter season, it is imperative that all employees are available for duty," the authorities have underlined. "Any unauthorized absence can compromise patient care and put additional pressure on the existing staff."

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The authorities noted that some employees have been proceeding on leave without prior sanction from the competent authority, violating service rules and warranting disciplinary action.

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To address the issue, SKIMS authorities have instructed Heads of Departments (HoDs) and Sectional Heads to recommend leave requests judiciously, with proper justification, until the staff strength is restored.

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Employees have been directed to apply for approval through the concerned HoDs at least 15 days in advance for earned leave and 45 days in advance for other leaves.

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"Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action as per the rules, without further notice," the authorities warned.

In addition, HoDs and Sectional Heads have been instructed not to frequently recommend leave cases.

“There is already a staff shortage, and any recommended leaves must be based on genuine grounds, keeping in view the constraints within departments,” the authorities emphasised.

"All employees, including HoDs, faculty members, and Sectional Heads, have been directed to strictly adhere to these instructions. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action as per the rules, without further notice.”