- Inaugurates Emergency Operation Theatre, SKIMS Medical University Complex
- Releases Annual Report of SKIMS, Lays E-foundation Of Several Projects
Srinagar- On the 42nd foundation day of Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Chief Minister Omar Abdullah his government’s priority is to restore its autonomy, address staff shortages, and modernise equipment.
“SKIMS has given a lot to Jammu and Kashmir, far beyond expectations, despite difficulties, financial constraints, outdated equipment, and staff shortages,” Omar Abdullah said,
He lauded SKIMS authorities for handling immense pressure due to inadequate infrastructure at district and sub-district hospitals, which forces patients with routine medical needs to seek treatment at SKIMS.
He said that SKIMS’ autonomy, once a hallmark of its efficient functioning, has been eroded, impacting its engineering and maintenance capabilities.
“My government is committed to restore the Autonomy of this premier institution in full so that patients get quality health care. For that I will sit with the Health Minister Sakina Itoo and chalk out a strategy,” he said.
In February last year, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha led administration had rolled back SKIMS Autonomy and its administrative control was given to the Health and Medical Education Department.
Citing critical challenges like power outages, oxygen plant failures, and cumbersome procurement procedures, he called for immediate action to restore the institution’s operational independence.
The chief minister also raised concerns over prolonged recruitment delays, particularly in nursing, where a single nurse is reportedly tasked with managing 30 beds at night-a situation he termed “unsustainable.”
Omar said that SKIMS was envisioned by Sheikh Abdullah to provide advanced medical care within the region, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment outside Jammu and Kashmir.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting SKIMS by introducing new technologies, upgrading equipment, and alleviating its operational burdens.
“SKIMS represents a beacon of hope for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. My government will continue to stand with SKIMS to ensure it grows, thrives, and continues to serve the people with excellence,” Omar said.
On the occasion, the CM e-inaugurated and laid e-foundation stones for several projects, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
Addressing the gathering, the CM underscored the indispensable role SKIMS has played in enhancing the healthcare system of Jammu and Kashmir.
He praised the Institute for its invaluable services and its readiness to respond in times of exigency.
He further noted that SKIMS provides technologically advanced and evidence-based healthcare services to the general public.
Omar Abdullah congratulated SKIMS administration, faculty, and staff for their exemplary performance, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. Reflecting on the vision of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the Chief Minister remarked that SKIMS was founded to offer advanced healthcare facilities within J&K, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment outside the region.
He also emphasized the importance of medical tourism, expressing hope for infrastructure upgrades around SKIMS to make this vision a reality.
CM called for minimizing referrals to SKIMS by strengthening sub-district and district hospitals, thereby reducing the pressure on the Institute.
“We should not have cases of normal delivery, appendicitis and headaches at SKIMS from districts. This should stop to ensure there is less burden on the Institute. The basic concept of the SKIMS is to provide quality health care and specialised treatment,” he said.
He expressed concern about administrative interference undermining SKIMS’ functioning and pledged to restore its autonomy on a priority basis.
To further strengthen the Institute, the Chief Minister assured full government support to ensure patients receive top-quality healthcare. During the event, the Chief Minister e-inaugurated multiple facilities, including the Attendants Inn with washroom facilities at the emergency block, the Attendants Inn at the Maternity Hospital, the 4DCT Simulator at Radiation Oncology, and the Daycare Ward.
He also laid e-foundation stones for the Sports Ground, Transport Yard, and construction of more space for attendants.
Additionally, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Emergency Operation Theatre Block and commissioned the SKIMS Medical University Complex, further enhancing emergency and educational facilities.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected an exhibition organized by SKIMS, which showcased innovative contributions and success stories from various departments of the Institute.
On the occasion, he also released the Annual Report of SKIMS, highlighting the Institute’s significant achievements and activities. Minister of Health & Medical Education, Sakina Masood Itoo, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing Sher-i-Kashmir’s vision of establishing SKIMS as a world-class medical facility for the people of J&K.
Director SKIMS, Prof. Mohammad Ashraf Ganai, provided a comprehensive overview of the Institute’s contributions to public healthcare in his speech.
Other dignitaries present at the event included Minister of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, former J&K Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah and several MLA’s.
The event was also attended by Secretary Health & Medical Education Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, senior faculty members, former directors, and other staff members of SKIMS.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
