Srinagar, Feb 21: Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) on Saturday conducted and reviewed a comprehensive emergency preparedness dry run in connection with the upcoming Khelo India Winter Games Gulmarg 2026.

The exercise was aimed at assessing institutional readiness, response mechanisms, and coordinated disaster management protocols to ensure prompt medical care during any emergency situation.

The preparedness arrangements were reviewed on-site by Director SKIMS/ EOSG Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie along with visiting IAS officer Mr. Minga Sherpa.

As part of the drill, the SKIMS helipad was kept in a state of operational readiness and an emergency helicopter landing was successfully carried out.

The mock exercise simulated evacuation and rapid transfer of critically ill patients under the Disaster Management Plan.

The hospital’s Emergency Department, Emergency Operation Theatre, and Intensive Care Unit were activated and maintained on standby to evaluate response time, inter-departmental coordination, and critical care preparedness.

A fully equipped critical care ambulance was also put into service for immediate patient transport and stabilization.

Medical Superintendent Prof. Farooq Jan, Coordinator Emergency Medicine Dr. Samina Mufti, SHO Police Station Soura, along with teams of doctors, nurses, technicians, and paramedical staff, also participated in the exercise.

On the occasion, IAS officer Mr. Minga Sherpa appreciated the preparedness of SKIMS, particularly the readiness of the helipad and the efficient fast-tracking of critically ill patients under the Disaster Management plan.

The successful conduct of the drill reaffirmed SKIMS’ capability to respond effectively to medical emergencies and its commitment to ensuring high-level healthcare preparedness during major national sporting events. (JKNS)