Srinagar, May 13 — SKIMS marked International Nurses Day with pride and purpose. Director SKIMS/EOSG, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, praised the nursing fraternity and spotlighted their critical role in addressing Kashmir’s growing drug crisis. The event brought together senior administrators, nursing faculty, and healthcare professionals to honour a workforce that forms the backbone of patient care.
SKIMS Celebrates International Nurses Day
The celebration at SKIMS was vibrant and well-attended. Prof. Ganie’s address set a hopeful tone. He highlighted the year’s theme — “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives” — and stressed that it captures the spirit of what nurses truly represent: compassion, service, and strength.
Why This Day Matters More Than Ever
International Nurses Day holds special significance in a region like Kashmir. Drug abuse has emerged as a serious public health challenge. Nurses are often the first point of contact for patients struggling with addiction. Their ability to counsel, refer, and support such patients makes them a powerful force in combating the menace. Prof. Ganie noted that the word “nurse” is synonymous with motherhood in terms of empathy — and that very quality positions nurses as vital partners in the anti-drug effort.
500 Nursing Posts to Be Filled Soon
Prof. Ganie made a significant announcement at the event. Nearly 1,200 paramedical positions across various cadres are under active consideration for recruitment at SKIMS. Of these, around 500 posts will be dedicated to nursing staff.
Shortage to Be Addressed Within Three Months
The Director expressed confidence that the recruitment process will move swiftly. Within the next three months, he said, the initiative will address nearly 60 percent of the existing nursing shortage at SKIMS. He thanked both the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister administrations for supporting the process. This development is widely seen as a turning point for healthcare delivery in the region.
Nurses as Champions Against Drug Abuse
Drug abuse continues to affect families across Jammu and Kashmir. Nurses, by virtue of their proximity to patients, are uniquely placed to intervene early. They can identify warning signs, provide emotional support, and guide patients toward rehabilitation. Prof. Ganie underlined this point forcefully, urging the nursing community to embrace this broader social responsibility.
Compassion as a Tool for Prevention
Empathy is not just a personal quality — it is a clinical tool. Nurses who connect genuinely with patients build trust. That trust creates opportunities for honest conversations about substance abuse. Moreover, a well-staffed nursing workforce means fewer gaps in patient monitoring. Early detection, consistent follow-up, and compassionate care together form a powerful defence against addiction.
Paid Internship Programme for Young Nurses
Prof. Ganie also announced an upcoming Paid Nursing Internship programme at SKIMS. This initiative aims to equip young nursing professionals with hands-on clinical exposure. It will provide real-world training while also offering financial support to aspiring nurses. The programme signals SKIMS’s commitment to investing in the next generation of healthcare workers.
Empowering Future Healthcare Leaders
The internship programme aligns directly with this year’s Nurses Day theme. Empowered nurses save lives — and empowerment starts with proper training. By giving fresh graduates structured clinical experience, SKIMS is building a pipeline of skilled, confident, and motivated nursing professionals. This will strengthen the institution’s capacity to serve patients for years to come.
Building a Stronger Healthcare Workforce
Prof. Ganie reaffirmed his commitment to the growth of SKIMS during his tenure. New departments will be established, he said. Existing facilities will be upgraded to meet rising healthcare demands. The goal is a SKIMS that truly serves the entire region — not just as a referral centre, but as a comprehensive healthcare institution.
Dean Medical Faculty, Prof. Bashir Ahmad Fomda, echoed this vision. He emphasised the need for structural support for nurses, including adequate working space, clinical autonomy, and meaningful participation in decision-making. These elements, he argued, are essential to truly empower the nursing workforce — not just celebrate it.
Leaders Honour Nursing Dedication at SKIMS
Several senior officials addressed the gathering and offered their appreciation for the nursing fraternity.
Additional Director SKIMS, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, congratulated the nursing staff. He acknowledged their unwavering dedication to patient care despite numerous challenges. Medical Superintendent Prof. Farooq Ahmad Jan described nurses as the backbone of SKIMS. He credited their professionalism and dedication as key reasons behind the institution’s national and global recognition.
Male Participation in Nursing on the Rise
Incharge Principal of Madre Meharban College of Nursing, Prof. Maqbool, highlighted a positive societal shift — more men are now entering the nursing profession. He welcomed this trend while noting that women continue to be strongly associated with caregiving values. He also thanked the Director for his continued support toward resolving faculty-related issues.
Medical Superintendents of SKIMS State Cancer Hospital and the Maternity Hospital also addressed the audience. Both praised nurses for their commitment and tireless service across specialities.
Florence Nightingale’s Legacy Lives On
Incharge Nursing Administration, Shafeeqa, and Organising Secretary, Shameema Khan, paid tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. They highlighted her enduring legacy and its relevance today. They also thanked the administration and organising committee for making the event a grand success.
A Renewed Pledge to Patient Care
As the celebrations concluded, one message resonated clearly: nurses are not just caregivers — they are agents of social change. In a Kashmir battling drug abuse, economic stress, and a rising demand for mental health support, nurses are indispensable. SKIMS’s commitment to staffing, training, and empowering its nursing workforce is a step in the right direction — and a cause for genuine optimism.
