Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 5: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today presided over the 43rd Foundation Day celebrations of the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), reaffirming the Government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure and strengthening tertiary care in Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was attended by Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakeena Masood Itoo, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Javid Ahmad Dar and Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Dr. M. Srinivas, Director AIIMS New Delhi who joined virtually, Sher-i-Kashmir Orator Dr. Madhabananda Kar, Director SKIMS Dr. M. Ashraf Ganie, Dean Medical Faculty SKIMS; Principal SKIMS MCH Bemina Dr. Fazlul Q Parray, Organising Chairman Dr. (Prof.) Muzaffar Maqsood, MLAs, SKICC Director Haris Ahmed Handoo, senior faculty members, researchers, doctors, students and a large gathering of healthcare professionals.
In his address, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said his Government had always extended full financial support to SKIMS and would continue to do so with greater vigour.
He announced that the introduction of the new SASCI funding window, previously available only to states, had now-following his intervention-been extended to Union Territories as well. This, he said, has created an unprecedented opportunity for J&K to access long-term, zero-interest capital expenditure loans.
“This year, we finally gained access to SASCI. Under this mechanism, we can now avail funds for capital investment. This is a unique chance for us, and I want SKIMS to take full advantage of it,” the Chief Minister said.
He urged the SKIMS administration to conceptualise a major project that can be completed within a period of 2-3 years.
The Chief Minister spoke at length about the enduring legacy of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, noting that the establishment of SKIMS during his era was a visionary act unmatched even today.
He said SKIMS continues to remain the preferred destination for advanced treatment and praised the institute’s doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff for upholding its standards. Quoting Director AIIMS Dr. Srinivas’s remarks, he noted that one of the purposes behind SKIMS’ establishment was to provide advanced treatment to patients within J&K who otherwise had to travel outside J&K for treatment. “Even after decades, SKIMS fulfils that purpose remarkably well,” he said.
Highlighting the overwhelming patient load at SKIMS, the Chief Minister asserted that the Government has a responsibility to strengthen healthcare infrastructure at the district and sub-district levels.
“People should not be compelled to come to SKIMS for routine treatment. This happens only when peripheral hospitals fail to deliver adequate healthcare. We will work on both fronts-supporting SKIMS with new infrastructure and simultaneously upgrading district and sub-district hospitals so the burden on SKIMS reduces significantly,” he said.
The Chief Minister commended Director Dr. M. Ashraf Ganie and the entire SKIMS team for maintaining high standards in research, patient care, and medical education despite numerous challenges.
The 43rd Foundation Day ceremony also featured academic sessions, addresses by senior faculty members, and reflections on SKIMS’ journey as a premier tertiary-care, research, and teaching institution in northern India.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also released the SKIMS Annual Report, while the Ministers unveiled two publications – UPSC CMS Book and Histology Essentials.
The Chief Minister further e-inaugurated a series of new facilities and infrastructure upgrades, including the Linac Bunker for cancer treatment, Digital MRD, Paediatric Emergency Unit, Digital X-Ray services, a 10 MVA 33/11 KV OLTC Transformer, and a newly developed Patient-cum-Attendant Park.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for two commemorative gates – Bab-ul-Salam and Bab-ul-Noor – at the revered Dargah Hazratbal, marking a significant step toward preserving the shrine’s heritage while enhancing its infrastructure and the overall experience for devotees and visitors.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, and other concerned officials.
The twin gateway structures, featuring artistic calligraphy and aesthetic enhancements, are being constructed at a total cost of Rs 129.68 lakh, with each gate estimated at Rs 64.84 lakh.
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