Srinagar, Dec 05 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday hailed the contribution of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in revolutionising healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir, even as he expressed concern over its administrative functioning.
Omar claimed that the key files of the institute are not being routed through him or the Health Minister.
Speaking at the 43rd Annual Day celebration of SKIMS at the SKICC, Omar Abdullah, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “I don’t understand the purpose of inviting us when SKIMS files are neither sent to me nor my cabinet colleague. Still, I chose to attend so that the institute, its faculty and staff don’t suffer.”
The Chief Minister questioned the absence of senior bureaucrats from the event and directed the SKIMS administration to identify and propose a "major Rs 200–250 crore patient-centric project", assuring full government support for securing funds and ensuring completion within three to four years.
He shared that the Special Assistance for States and Capital Investment (SASCI) funding window, previously limited to states, had, following his intervention, been extended to Union Territories, creating a new opportunity for long-term, zero-interest capital investment in J&K’s healthcare sector.
“This year, we finally gained access to SASCI. I want SKIMS to take full advantage of this and conceptualise a high-impact project that can be completed within two to three years,” he said.
Recalling the legacy of "Sher-e-Kashmir" Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Omar described him as a visionary who built SKIMS at a time when such an achievement seemed impossible. “Even decades later, people still prefer SKIMS for its doctors, treatment and care,” he said.
He lauded the institute’s doctors, nurses and staff for their dedication, calling SKIMS the “most trusted healthcare institution in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Highlighting the need to ease patient load, the CM said, “People should not have to come to SKIMS for routine treatment. We will strengthen district and sub-district hospitals so that tertiary institutes like SKIMS can focus on advanced care.”
The Chief Minister also e-inaugurated several new facilities, including the Linac Bunker for cancer treatment, Digital MRD, Paediatric Emergency Unit, Digital X-Ray services, a 10 MVA Transformer, and a Patient-cum-Attendant Park.
Notably, the 43rd Foundation Day was attended by Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, Minister for Rural Development Javid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Dr M. Srinivas, Director AIIMS (virtually), Director SKIMS Dr M. Ashraf Ganie and senior faculty members.
CM Omar also congratulated the SKIMS team for their efforts in research, education and patient care, expressing hope that the institute continues to grow as a beacon of healthcare in the region.
“Let this government lay the foundation and the next one complete it,” he said, showing gratitude to SKIMS staff for their decades of compassionate service—(KNO)