Deptt of Biochemistry gets QAI accreditation
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Aug 16: The Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, has issued guidelines for regulating Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs to departments, emphasizing the exclusion of promotions and a focus on evidence-based content.
In a communication issued on this matter, SKIMS directed all departments to design CME programs with a primary focus on academic enrichment and professional development.
“Content must be evidence-based, relevant, and aligned with the latest advancements in medical science and research,” The communication said.
The communication further emphasized that the academic integrity of CME sessions should be ensured by excluding any promotional or commercial content not related to educational purposes.
“CME programs should ideally be held at SKIMS facilities to leverage our state-of-the-art resources and maintain institutional cohesiveness,” it added, noting that requests for alternative venues can be approved by SKIMS Administration, provided valid justifications are given.
Additionally, it was noted that any external sponsorship should be clearly acknowledged, specifying the sponsors’ names and the nature of their contributions.
SKIMS authorities also stressed that financial support from grants or donations must be documented and disclosed to avoid conflicts of interest or undue influence.
“If the program is funded by SKIMS, this should be explicitly mentioned in the program materials and announcements. Organizers must submit a detailed proposal outlining the CME program’s objectives, content, and expected outcomes,” the communication to the departments stated.
Non-compliance or deviations from these guidelines, authorities said, will be addressed according to institutional policies, and corrective actions will be mandated.
Departments have also been directed to submit post-event reports within two weeks of completing a CME program.
These reports must include an evaluation of the program’s effectiveness, participant feedback, and a detailed account of the funding received and utilized.
SKIMS noted that these directives are in line with the institution’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards and ensuring transparency in conducting CME programs, aiming to regulate and standardize such activities.
“It is, therefore, impressed upon all Heads of Departments and Faculty Members of all the Departments of SKIMS, Soura, Srinagar, that they must follow these guidelines while submitting their proposals for holding any CME and Workshop, in letter and spirit.”
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Department of Clinical Biochemistry at SKIMS has been accredited by the Quality and Accreditation Institute (QAI) as per ISO guidelines.
Officials noted that this is the third consecutive term that the Department of Clinical Biochemistry at SKIMS has been awarded the ISO 15189:2022 certification.
Director SKIMS, Dr. M. Ashraf Ganie, congratulated the department on the accreditation, noting that it has consistently maintained quality services as per standard norms.
The Head of Clinical Biochemistry Department, Dr. Syed Mudassar, described the accreditation as a significant step forward in reinforcing the department’s position as a leading Clinical Biochemistry laboratory. “I thank the administration for their support; we are committed to providing exceptional patient care services,” she said.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
