OPD Appointment Guide: SKIMS Srinagar (Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences)

Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), located in Soura, Srinagar, is a government-run super-specialty institution and deemed university established in 1982. It provides tertiary care across a wide range of medical and surgical disciplines and serves as a referral destination for patients across Jammu and Kashmir and the wider region. The hospital also houses a State Cancer Institute, a maternity hospital, and affiliated colleges.

For patients planning a visit, understanding the registration process in advance makes a significant difference. SKIMS operates a two-step system: all patients must first obtain a registration at the MRD (Medical Records Department) counter, after which they can use the hospital's online appointment portal for follow-up visits. Most outpatient departments run Monday through Saturday, and the process — while manageable — requires some preparation, particularly for those travelling from outside Srinagar.

Registration and OPD fees at SKIMS Srinagar

SKIMS is a public funded institution. All charges are regulated by the J&K government. No private pricing applies.

• OPD registration fee — A nominal fee is charged at the MRD counter. SKIMS is a government institution and charges are subsidised. Confirm the current amount at the MRD Appointment Counter or via the hospital's official portal before your visit.
• Consultation charge — As a government super-specialty hospital, specialist consultation fees are heavily subsidised compared to private hospitals. Exact amounts should be confirmed at the registration counter.
• BPL / Below Poverty Line patients — Patients holding a valid BPL card or income certificate may be eligible for fee waivers or reduced charges. Enquire at the MRD counter or the hospital's social welfare desk.
• Investigations and diagnostics — Laboratory and imaging services are available at government rates, substantially lower than private facility charges. Rates are not published online; confirm at the relevant department counter.

Government schemes that help cover treatment

PM-JAY SEHAT is the primary scheme for J&K residents. Carry your Aadhaar card and any scheme card when presenting at the hospital.

• PM-JAY SEHAT (Ayushman Bharat) — Cashless cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care. All permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir are eligible regardless of income — J&K is the only Union Territory in India where this scheme is universal. SKIMS is fully empanelled under the scheme.
• Who carries the SEHAT card — Any permanent resident of J&K qualifies. No income threshold applies. The card can be generated via the PM-JAY portal or at Common Service Centres (CSCs) across the UT.
• CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) — Central government employees, pensioners, and eligible dependents covered under CGHS can seek treatment. Srinagar has CGHS-empanelled facilities; confirm SKIMS's current CGHS status at cghs.nic.in or the hospital's billing department.
• BPL / indigent patient provisions — Patients unable to afford treatment can approach the hospital's medical social worker or welfare officer. Government hospitals are required to provide emergency care regardless of ability to pay.

Rates shown are as per the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Srinagar (2026) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

How to get an appointment at SKIMS Srinagar

SKIMS uses a two-step registration process. Every patient — whether a first-timer or a returning visitor — must first obtain a registration card from the MRD (Medical Records Department) Appointment Counter on the hospital premises. This counter is the starting point for all outpatient visits and provides the patient with a unique hospital registration number.

Once registered at the MRD counter, patients who need to visit for any specialty other than General Medicine and General Surgery can book subsequent appointments through the hospital's online appointment portal at patient-appointments.skims.ac.in. The portal is not available to patients who have not yet registered in person at the MRD counter at least once.

For General Medicine and General Surgery, the standard route remains attending the MRD counter directly. The Maternity Hospital's MRD counter operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, giving patients flexibility for obstetrics and gynaecology-related visits. The main hospital's counter serves all other departments.

Patients who face difficulty navigating the online system can approach the OPD Incharge at Room No. 133 within the hospital premises. The hospital's main exchange is +91-194-2401013 and the control room is +91-194-2403679.

How long it takes to get seen

SKIMS is a high-volume referral institution serving patients from across the Kashmir Valley and beyond. Realistic wait times depend on the department and whether the patient has a pre-booked appointment or is attending the MRD counter for the first time.

Patients attending the MRD counter for first registration should expect to spend time in queue, particularly during morning hours when the counter tends to be busiest. The hospital's own notice encouraging use of the online appointment portal specifically cites reducing overcrowding in OPD areas as a goal, which reflects the demand at the facility.

For specialist departments — particularly Cardiology, Endocrinology, Neurology, and Oncology — wait times between the appointment date and the actual consultation can be longer due to the volume of referrals. Patients travelling long distances are advised to call ahead and confirm appointment availability before travelling, or use the online portal to check slot availability.

Emergency and Accident cases are handled separately and are not subject to the OPD appointment process.

What treatment costs and what financial help is available

As a government super-specialty hospital funded by the J&K government, SKIMS charges are regulated and substantially subsidised. OPD registration, consultation, and most investigations cost a fraction of equivalent charges at private facilities.

The most significant source of financial support available to J&K residents is the PM-JAY SEHAT scheme. Under this scheme, every permanent resident of Jammu and Kashmir — regardless of income — is entitled to cashless secondary and tertiary healthcare up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year. SKIMS is fully empanelled under this scheme. Patients should carry their Aadhaar card and PM-JAY SEHAT card (or Golden Card) when attending the hospital.

For central government employees and eligible pensioners, the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) provides another avenue of coverage. Patients should verify SKIMS's current CGHS empanelment status at the CGHS portal (cghs.nic.in) or directly at the hospital's billing counter.

Patients from below-poverty-line households or those in financial distress can approach the hospital's welfare desk for assistance. Government hospitals are obligated to provide emergency care regardless of a patient's financial situation.

Key departments at SKIMS Srinagar

SKIMS operates outpatient clinics across three facilities on its campus: the Main Hospital, the Maternity Hospital, and the State Cancer Institute. Most departments run Monday through Saturday.

Medicine and allied specialties at the Main Hospital include General Medicine, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, and Neurology. Surgical departments include General and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CVTS), Urology, Plastic Surgery, and Neurosurgery. Additional clinics cover Psychiatry, Rheumatology, Pain and Palliative Care, Geriatric Medicine, Colorectal Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, Breast Clinic, and a Post-COVID Clinic.

The Maternity Hospital handles Obstetrics and Gynaecology, including a dedicated PCOD clinic. The State Cancer Institute provides Medical Oncology, Radiotherapy, Clinical Haematology, and Surgical Oncology services.

Not all departments run every day. Gastroenterology, for example, runs on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Psychiatry currently holds OPD on Fridays only. Patients should check the current OPD schedule on the hospital's website or contact the MRD counter before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral letter to attend the SKIMS OPD?

SKIMS is a tertiary and super-specialty institution that primarily accepts referred patients, though the OPD registration process begins at the MRD counter for all patients. A referral letter from a primary or secondary care physician strengthens the case for urgent specialist attention and is generally advisable, but confirm the specific requirement for your department at the MRD counter or by calling the hospital exchange.

Can I book an OPD appointment online without visiting the hospital first?

No. The SKIMS online appointment portal at patient-appointments.skims.ac.in is only accessible to patients who have already registered at the MRD counter in person at least once and hold a SKIMS registration number. First-time patients must attend the MRD counter in person before online booking becomes available to them.

Is treatment at SKIMS free for J&K residents under the SEHAT scheme?

Eligible J&K residents with a valid PM-JAY SEHAT card can access cashless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for covered procedures at SKIMS, which is fully empanelled under the scheme. All permanent residents of J&K qualify regardless of income. OPD registration and consultation involve a nominal government-regulated fee, which is separate from in-patient procedure costs covered under the scheme. Carry your Aadhaar and SEHAT card to the hospital.

What are the OPD hours at SKIMS?

Most outpatient departments at the Main Hospital run Monday through Saturday. Exact start and end times for each department's OPD sessions are published on the hospital's official OPD schedule page. Some specialty clinics run only on specific days — for example, Psychiatry currently operates on Fridays and Gastroenterology on four days per week. Check the current schedule at skims.ac.in or call +91-194-2401013 before your visit.

What should I bring when visiting SKIMS OPD for the first time?

Carry a valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar is most useful as it also serves as verification for the PM-JAY SEHAT scheme), your PM-JAY SEHAT card or Golden Card if you have one, any previous medical records or prescriptions relevant to your condition, and a referral letter if one has been issued by a treating physician. Arriving early, particularly on the first visit to the MRD counter, reduces queue time.

Related

• Check your Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) eligibility
• CGHS rate list and how package rates work
• Government Medical College Srinagar appointment and OPD guide
• Government Medical College Jammu appointment and OPD guide

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.