Basically, I am a fiction writer. So my job is crafting lies, to tell the truth. But let me speak plainly, truthfully and directly today to narrate the factuality.
Organising programmes in medical science prove significantly fruitful and scientifically helpful to medical fraternity in particular and common people in general. These medical activities enable medicos to get the latest update and gain more excellence in their art and skill, besides, achieving the long term aims and objectives, which are behind the existence of this Medical Institute called SKIMS.
If my memory serves me right, it was in 2012 A.D., when Dr Saleem Wani Sahib, a renowned Surgeon and widely acclaimed for his expertise in Urology, managed a programme on Robotic Surgery in Urology in SKIMS.
Maybe, surgical robotics had been science fiction, but today it is true without doubt. Robotic surgeries are a reality now. It is deemed the beginning of the revolution in surgeries. Although, it is said to be similar as of laparoscopic surgery it is most advanced with the latest technology and yields better results.
Dr Saleem Wani Sahib (Urologist) is a medical genius and our national asset. Only a few Urologists in our state are having the technical know-how of robotic surgery subject? But what I have learned from my own experiences is that just fancy equipment does not make a hospital great and best. It is the dedication and discipline which are deemed the bedrock on which rests the edifice of an Institute. If doctors and the nurses of a hospital are dedicated, that passion actually creates an environment where a patient leaves the hospital with a nice memory of wonderful treatment. Unfortunately, this sentiment is not generally visible.
Anyway, robotic surgeries have proved like scientific miracles to the patients who suffer from Urology ailments. I don’t know whether such surgical equipment is available in SKIMS and if such robotic procedures are performed there? But people at the helm should endeavour for making this Institute equipped with all the necessary paraphernalia in order to make this Hospital at par with the leading health care Institutions of the country. We need to readjust our conceptual lenses with the present medical developments of the developed countries rather than clinging to the past perceptions and conventional approach. Moreover, organising of more such programmes is the need of the hour in order to raise medical awareness and update our doctors about the latest technologies.
It is said that the robot does not conduct the surgery independently but a doctor specialized in this subject uses the robot as a surgical tool to perform the procedure. Such procedures mostly give the best and effective results in surgeries and help in maintaining accuracy.
Though the ex. Director of the Institute Mr Showkat Zargar had asserted to procure the robots for the Institute but it is yet to be confirmed whether this technology was acquired afterwards or it is still a dream? If acquiring this technology has not moved beyond the level of aspiration as yet, then such type of programmes amount to window dressinìg only.
Mere functions cannot deliver things. SKIMS need to translate the innovative ideas of its creative doctors into practical and shape this Institute on modern lines and correct the mistakes which often are mirrored in unsatisfactory reports. Holding seminars and programmes should not be a tactic of presentation designed to create a favourable impression. Something concrete should come to the surface. True, one Dr Saleem, or a few other “superstar” doctors of this Institute, cannot cure the negative characteristics of every individual in this Institute, so each and everyone who is anyone there has to play his or her role to sketch a good image of this hospital on the minds of people. The Director concerned too needs support and cooperation of each individual to invigorate the system of this organization. Popularly this Institute is regarded and considered a ‘Hope’ but there are some people who narrate horrible experiences about this hospital, and such reports have been surfacing in the media also. Steps need to be taken to make this Institute a loving place, not a horror zone. It has otherwise earned some unpalatable epithets already. I admit, people generally speak highly of the present Director of this Institute so his presence offers hope of developing better ways to make this Institute a hope of life, light and love. This Institute is graced by the presence of other ‘Medical heavyweights’ like Dr Altaf Shah and Dr Gul Javid of Gastroenterology department and many more reputed doctors of other disciplines. Some people blame that discrimination is rampant between a rich and poor patient in our hospitals and when one complains about such “misadventures”, you are bullied and laughed on. Poor have no choice but to accept it all; rich run off to Delhi to get better treatment. Our senior doctors need to attach importance to such protests.
I personally hold Dr. Saleem Wani in high regards because I got some opportunities to interact with him on some occasions and I was impressed of his zeal and zest which he carries in his mind to give new dimensions and shape to the department of Urology under his control and his endeavour to contribute in propelling this Institute to much greater heights as envisioned by its founders. Yes, we have to move according to the tune of time. Induction of Dr Arif and Dr Raof in this Department of Urology would have definitely given comfortable support to Dr Saleem, I suppose. As both, the said Urologists too are competent in their job. Dr Saleem is the first to provide the service of kidney transplantation in Kashmir and dozens of Renal Transplants have been done so far at SKIMS. Dr Saleem has been recognised for his contributions locally and nationally. His clinical research and holding medical conferences have won acclaim from all walks of life. I had once asked him, why are some doctors temperamental? But he didn’t answer. Anyway, he is himself a jolly man having mesmeric quality. He is distinguished for his sense of humour and that’s vital to have in this job. Doctors who lack a sense of humour are personality challenged. It merits a mention that the Department of Urology in SKIMS has done almost 300 successful kidney transplants till date. Initially SKIMS had only two bedded Transplant Units which has been upgraded to twelve beds Unit. Costs for these Transplants at SKIMS are much lower than the corporate hospitals.
People blame that good doctor are in short supply here. I agree that a clinician lacking interest in humanity is a parasite. Just heights of insight and drudgery don’t make a doctor good, but the humane and empathetic attitude of a doctor can really change and make difference in the lives of patients. Cheating in this noble profession is killing; and one should know that cheating is choice, not a mistake.
We cannot deny or hide it that the workability and service of our hospitals have diminished. Anyone can gauge the magnitude of their lacking in excellence or value by the frequent clamouring and protests against them (and assaults on doctors as well). The medical profession is deemed a noble profession, but now it is turning a trade. Just clinical skills do not make a doctor good. He should have the ability to care about the patient. But generally, doctors do not empathize with their patients. They have been doing their duty with disinterest and indulging in rude behaviour.
People at the helm should pay attention to make the management of the hospitals more accountable. We must know that medical mistakes cause deaths so it’s in the best interest of hospitals and people to find out where the mistakes are being made and to correct them.
I agree that doctors cannot change the destiny of a man. What is destined, that has to happen. Jayalalitha’s (Chief Minister of Tamil Naidu and famous film actress of yesteryears) Apollo Hospital bill for 75 days is said to have crossed whopping 80 crore Rupees, but still, she couldn’t be saved. What is a pre-existing plan, that event has to happen necessarily? No doctor on earth can save a man from what is destined to him or her. Now what a doctor does, he offers consolation and comfort. If a doctor is not able to do it, and he takes a patient as a customer and ATM, then that doctor ceases to be called humane.
What I say is a prompting to help the needy so that you are remembered for the legacy you leave behind.
While concluding this write-up, I may deviate a bit from the basic topic and would like to mention here the names of some humane, empathetic and nice doctors of our valley I’ve met. These are not just my experiences, but observations as well. Among them include a team of Urologists comprising Dr Nazir Sajad and Dr Adil Bashir also. A few times, I needed them and witnessed how nicely and humanely they treat and behave with the patients. Especially, I admire the sweetness and humility of Dr Adil Bashir. His loving attitude has always impressed me. Another doctor is Dr Ghulam Hassan, who is promoting medical education in allergy and sleep sciences. He is not money minded. He treats the patients differently than those of the traditional methods and has cured chronic diseases with his distinct medical care. Dr Shaikh Saleem, a well-known Neurologist, is among those people who have not allowed greed to encroach upon their mind. He has the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. There are other so many best doctors in our valley who are in no way less in the standard than those of international repute. One more face which flashes on my mind this time is Jenab Dr. (Prof) Nazir Ahmad Salroo Sahib. A well-known Surgeon. An affable and obliging person, sober and cool-headed.
In my earlier write-up, I had said all crows are not black, some are white also. One of my dearest friends had jokingly remarked on it, “I even took a walk around the ‘Hokarsir’ (a bird sanctuary) to find a white crow but didn’t discover one!”
So let me correct the ‘phrase’, all rabbits are not white, some are black also! 🙂
Nazir Jahangir is a freelance Writer & Columnist.
