KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Dec 5: On the 42nd Foundation Day of the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Chief Minister Omar Abdullah unveiled an ambitious roadmap for restoring the institute’s autonomy and transforming it into a premier healthcare and academic hub. Addressing an event coinciding with the birth anniversary of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, the visionary behind SKIMS, Omar emphasized the institute’s pivotal role as a “beacon of hope” for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to addressing the critical challenges faced by SKIMS, including outdated infrastructure, staff shortages, and delayed procurement of essential medical supplies. “SKIMS has consistently delivered far beyond expectations, despite grappling with financial constraints and chronic resource shortages. However, the erosion of its autonomy has significantly affected its operational efficiency, and restoring it is my government’s top priority,” he said.
Restoring SKIMS’ Autonomy
Omar lamented the rollback of SKIMS’ autonomy under the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, which placed it under the Health and Medical Education Department. He highlighted how the lack of independent control had led to serious operational issues, including power outages in critical areas like the ICU and oxygen plant malfunctions, endangering patients.
“The autonomy of SKIMS was its hallmark, enabling it to function with unmatched efficiency. The absence of autonomy has resulted in cumbersome procurement procedures and delayed maintenance, which are unacceptable in a healthcare setting,” he noted. Omar pledged to work closely with Health Minister Sakina Itoo to devise a strategy for restoring SKIMS’ autonomy and ensuring it can independently manage its engineering and maintenance functions.
Addressing Staff Shortages and Recruitment Delays
Highlighting acute staff shortages, particularly in nursing, Omar stressed the need for immediate recruitment to alleviate the burden on healthcare workers. “I have been informed that a single nurse is responsible for 30 beds during night shifts—a situation that is neither sustainable nor fair to the staff or patients. Recruitment delays spanning over a decade must be addressed urgently,” he said.
Vision for SKIMS as a Medical and Academic Hub
Outlining a broader vision for SKIMS, Omar announced plans to establish a dedicated Medical University at the institute to expand its academic and research capabilities. “A Medical University will elevate SKIMS into a center of excellence in medical education and research, equipping it to train more professionals and introduce advanced healthcare technologies,” he explained.
He also underscored the potential of SKIMS to emerge as a hub for medical tourism, pointing to the original design of recovery facilities like huts and lodges that remain incomplete. “With the available land, we can realize the dream of SKIMS as not just a healthcare provider but also a destination for medical tourism,” Omar added.
Reducing the Burden on SKIMS
The Chief Minister called for reducing unnecessary referrals to SKIMS from district and sub-district hospitals. He emphasized that routine cases like normal deliveries and minor surgeries should be handled at these facilities, allowing SKIMS to focus on critical cases and specialized treatment.
A Personal Connection
Omar shared his family’s personal experiences with SKIMS to underscore its importance. “When my father, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, tested positive for COVID-19 during the Delta wave, he refused to be shifted to Delhi, saying that the care at SKIMS was unmatched. Within five and a half days, he recovered fully. My family and I remain deeply indebted to SKIMS for its remarkable service,” he shared.
A Beacon of Hope for J&K
Reiterating his government’s commitment to supporting SKIMS, Omar pledged to provide the resources needed to overcome its challenges and enhance its infrastructure. “SKIMS is not just an institution; it is a lifeline for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. My government will ensure it thrives and continues to deliver excellence in healthcare,” he concluded.
Omar’s comprehensive vision for SKIMS—restoring autonomy, expanding academic capabilities, addressing staffing issues, and reducing operational bottlenecks—has reignited optimism about the institute’s future as a leading healthcare institution in the region.
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
