Cancer patients visiting SKIMS Soura face unnecessary hardship. As the only major tertiary care hospital in Kashmir, SKIMS receives patients from every district. A cancer patient often has to visit multiple departments such as Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Radiology, Pathology, and Cardiology for tests, opinions, and clearances. However, doctors usually do not record their remarks on a single OPD ticket, forcing patients to stand in separate queues and repeat registration procedures.
For patients already fighting a serious disease, this process is exhausting. Many travel long distances from districts like Anantnag, Kupwara, and Baramulla. They spend hours moving from one department to another while attendants struggle with travel expenses, loss of wages, and long waiting times.
This problem can be solved through a multipurpose oncology OPD ticket. A single ticket should allow doctors from different departments to record their opinions, recommendations, and clearances. This would reduce queues, save time, and make treatment faster and easier.
Many leading hospitals have adopted integrated systems where patients do not have to run from one counter to another. SKIMS can also introduce such a system with minimal administrative changes. A dedicated oncology coordinator and better interdepartmental coordination can significantly improve patient care.
Cancer treatment should not be delayed because of paperwork and long queues. Every delay can affect a patient’s health and treatment outcome. The administration of SKIMS and the Health Department should immediately consider introducing a unified OPD system for cancer patients.
This is not only about convenience. It is about dignity, compassion, and efficient healthcare. Cancer patients deserve treatment, not endless waiting. SKIMS must take the lead and ensure that patients spend their time receiving care instead of standing in queues.
