SRINAGAR: In a heartwarming initiative aimed at fostering emotional well-being alongside medical treatment, pediatric cancer patients from the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) were treated to a rejuvenating visit to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.
Psychological Respite Amidst Blooms
The special outing, orchestrated by SKIMS, was designed to offer young patients a much-needed break from hospital routines and the rigors of treatment. Amidst the vibrant colours and serene environment of the sprawling tulip gardens, the children experienced moments of joy, hope, and psychological respite, underscoring the importance of holistic care in their recovery journey.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the initiative was personally championed by Prof M Ashraf Ganie, Director of SKIMS. He flagged off the excursion on Monday, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of positive outdoor experiences. Prof. Ganie highlighted that such outings can positively influence the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, a key stress response system, thereby enhancing emotional well-being and reducing stress levels in children undergoing intensive medical care.
The SKIMS leadership has indicated plans to extend this compassionate outreach in its subsequent phases. Future initiatives are envisioned to include cancer survivors and young individuals managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, offering them similar therapeutic experiences outside the clinical setting.
Collaborative Effort for Patient Welfare
The successful organization of the event saw the collaboration of SKIMS with the Department of Floriculture, Parks and Gardens, Jammu and Kashmir. Prof. Ganie expressed his sincere gratitude for the department’s crucial role in facilitating the visit. Special acknowledgment was given to Zubair Ahmed, Secretary of Floriculture, and Masooma Mathoora, Director of Floriculture Kashmir, for their instrumental support in ensuring the outing was both meaningful and memorable for the young patients.
The Department of Floriculture further enhanced the experience by providing complimentary entry and refreshments to all the child participants. This gesture contributed significantly to the overall comfort and enjoyment of the children during their day out.
A contingent of senior faculty members from SKIMS also joined the excursion, lending their support and ensuring the children’s well-being. Among those present were Prof. Feroz Shaheen, Head of the Department of Radiodiagnosis; Dr. Akbar A. Shah, Head of Critical Care; Prof. Imran Hafeez, Head of Cardiology; Prof. GH Yatoo, Medical Superintendent of Super Speciality Hospital SKIMS; and Dr. Faisal Guru, Associate Professor of Medical Oncology. Dedicated medical staff, including Medical Officer Dr. Soozan and Resident Doctor Dr. Samara, accompanied the children, providing constant care and supervision throughout the day.
Officials associated with the initiative stated that plans are in place to organize similar visits in the future. This commitment aims to ensure that the therapeutic benefits of such excursions reach a wider group of children, including those who could not participate in this initial outing. The smiles and laughter observed among the young participants served as a powerful testament to the positive impact of integrating emotional and psychological support into comprehensive medical care.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
