Prof Ganie assumes charge as Director SKIMS

Srinagar, June 26: Dr Muhammad Ashraf Ganie assumed office as the newly-appointed Director of the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) on Wednesday, following government clearance and due process of selection.

A statement of the SKIMS issued here said that his arrival at the institute was marked by a warm reception from the SKIMS fraternity, including faculty members, officers and supporting staff.

With a long-standing association with SKIMS as a Distinguished Professor of its Endocrinology Department, Dr Ganie engaged in constructive interactions with the staff aimed at fostering administrative efficiency, enhancing healthcare services, ensuring transparency, and strengthening stakeholder outreach.

In his maiden address to the SKIMS community as Director, Dr Ganie extended heartfelt gratitude to the governing body and all those involved in the selection process for their trust and confidence in him. He articulated his commitment to elevating the institution to new heights of excellence in patient care, research, and academic standards.

Emphasising the importance of accessibility and public relations, he outlined his vision to position SKIMS competitively on the global healthcare stage.

Acknowledging the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, he said that SKIMS was not just a healthcare institution but a beacon of hope and healing for countless individuals.

Dr Ganie said: “We will leverage our collective expertise to address the healthcare challenges, and strive for inclusive and equitable healthcare delivery. We have the chance to lead by example, leveraging cutting-edge research and technology to enhance patient care, improve clinical outcomes, and streamline operational efficiencies.”

Dr Ganie, a distinguished endocrinologist of national repute, is applauded nationwide for his pioneering contributions to medical research.

He has cemented his legacy as a transformative figure in the realm of medical sciences, spanning his impactful and illustrious career at SKIMS Srinagar and the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

At SKIMS, in particular, his influence has been profound and remarkable.

His commitment towards advancing medical science is evident through his leadership in pioneering mega research initiatives while serving as Sub-Dean Research, Head of Clinical Research, and Nodal Officer MRU.

He has played a leadership role in research projects of national importance notably, the National PCOS Task Force study as Chief Coordinator and Principal Investigator for the India Diabetes (INDIAB) study, GenomeIndia project, a flagship initiative launched by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.

With over 200 scientific publications and leadership in pivotal projects, he has garnered international acclaim, including an honorary fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh.

His leadership capabilities and prior experience as a senior consultant at the AIIMS, New Delhi, underscores his potential to lead SKIMS towards greater achievements in healthcare and academia.

At this occasion, Dr Ganie said, “As I assume the charge of Director at SKIMS, I stand committed to fostering a future where SKIMS emerges as a global leader in healthcare excellence. My vision is rooted in enhancing patient care, advancing research frontiers, and elevating academic standards. Together, with the dedicated SKIMS community, we will prioritize administrative efficiency, transparency, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that every step we take is towards achieving greater accessibility and impact. Let us strive towards a future where SKIMS not only meets but exceeds global standards, enriching lives and upholding its legacy of service to humanity.”