SRINAGAR, Aug 23: The Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, announced today that it is on alert with necessary measures in place in light of the Mpox outbreak, which has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO).
SKIMS authorities stated that as part of these measures, an isolation facility with a bed capacity of six has been established, which can be scaled up to 30 beds if needed.
“Enhancing testing capacity and treatment modalities has been prioritized as per recommended guidelines. The Department of Microbiology at SKIMS currently has limited testing capacity, which is set to increase with the procurement of additional kits from ICMR,” officials said.
Regarding treatment preparedness, it has been reported that the Infectious Diseases Unit of the Department of General Medicine at SKIMS is assessing the medication needs for Mpox treatment. “Sufficient stocks of PPE kits, N95 masks, surgical gloves, and other protective gear are available,” they added.
“Guidelines for healthcare workers have been prepared to manage screening and infection control, particularly at airports and railway stations; these guidelines will also be used for training purposes,” officials added.
Earlier, in response to Mpox, SKIMS Director Dr. M. Ashraf Ganie held a detailed review meeting on preparations.
During the meeting, a team of experts, including Dean of Medical Faculty SKIMS, Prof. Shariq Masoodi, Principal of SKIMS Medical College, Prof. Irfan Rabbani, Medical Superintendent SKIMS, Dr. Farooq A. Jan, HoD of Microbiology, Prof. Bashir Fomda, and HoD of Infectious Diseases, Prof. Aijaz Nabi Koul, briefed attendees on the rising situation and ongoing preparations.
“SKIMS hospital administration is on alert and has taken various measures to face any eventuality,” the hospital authorities said.
Additionally, SKIMS informed that a dedicated Control Room has been established for Mpox management, which also functions as a helpline center with the number 0194-2403679.
HoD of Infectious Diseases at SKIMS, Prof. Aijaz Nabi Koul, told Excelsior that there is no need for panic, stressing that unlike COVID-19, there is ample good data available on Mpox.
“Recovery from Mpox typically occurs within 2-3 weeks; however, as we saw with COVID-19, it can be more challenging for immunocompromised patients,” he said.
At the UT level, the Secretary of Health & Medical Education (H&ME) also held a meeting earlier to review readiness, emphasizing proactive measures to ensure full preparedness for any situation.
While no cases of Mpox have been reported from J&K, officials stated that the overall focus will be on enhanced surveillance and screening, including strengthened active surveillance at entry points, and screening for skin lesions, fever, rash, and travel history.
