Response to Complaint Against ICU SKIMS

This is in a context regarding the article published in Daily Kashmir Observer on 18-10- 2023 by Miss Iqra Nabi regarding the functioning of Neurosciences intensive Care Unit. In this regard, we would like that the comments published in your paper are entirely baseless. It is sad that these comments have been published in the newspaper without any clarification from the administration of SKIMS. These false comments and allegations will make the patients lose their confidence in the health system prevalent at SKIMS Srinagar. The health care system at SKIMS is very much organised and Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit offers care to the sick patients as per the prevalent national and international standards.

The reporter had pointed out that there are a lot of mosquitoes in the Neurosciences ICU and depicted a picture that the place is infested with pests. It is unfortunate that the reporter has depicted a wrong image without verification of the facts. The Neurosciences ICU is having a robust HVAC system with clean ambient air that makes it impossible for mosquitoes and other pests to thrive. The wall area of the Neurosciences ICU has been kept to minimum to minimise the surface area so as to create an environment which is unfavourable for microbial growth. There is no question that mosquitoes or other pests can be allowed to thrive in Neurosciences ICU as there is a completely hygienic atmosphere.

The doctors and the paramedical staff working in Neurosciences ICU are trained and regularly made aware by the infection control team of the hospital about the various practices to be followed. It is ensured that the policies laid down by the infection control team of the hospital are regularly followed. Also regular audits are carried out to see the prevalence of infection in the ICU and prompt remedial majors are taken if required. The underlying Neurological diseases makes the patients admitted in Neurosciences ICU bed ridden for a prolonged period. They have derangements of cranial nerves, or remain unconscious for prolonged periods. These factors make them more susceptible to infections compared to other patient’s populations, due to the nature of their disease. However still the mortality and morbidity in Neurosciences ICU is low. We admit patients from most of northern India and have very good patient’s outcomes with very good survival rates. We proudly have salvaged multiple critically ill patients who were admitted with multiple comorbidities.

We would like to point out that the health care system in Neurosciences ICU at SKIMS is functioning optimally and delivering its best to the patient care with a team of dedicated doctors and paramedical staff. The false allegations published in the newspaper will shatter the confidence of the general public in the healthcare system that we have built over a period of years at SKIMS. We request your esteemed newspaper to desist from publishing such misinformation and issue a rebuttal in your newspaper in this regard.

Prof. Farooq A Jan 

Medical Superintendent SKIMS

• NOTE: The author of the article under question is not a reporter with Kashmir Observer and the content under question was a first-hand personal account of the author and not a news report. Kashmir Observer is committed to people’s concerns and is investigating the matter. KO has now put its reporters on the issue to determine the veracity of both accounts. 

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