>>Addresses 42nd Annual Day celebrations
>>Highlights staff shortage, complex procurement process
>> Lays e-foundation of several projects
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to restoring the autonomy of the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) to enhance patient care.
Addressing the 42nd Annual Day function of SKIMS here that also coincided with his grandfather and National Conference founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah’s anniversary, Omar said that he was shocked to know that doctors had to handle patients in the Intensive Care Unit of the Institute for five to seven minutes during power breakdown.
“This is because the Institute after losing its Autonomy has no control over the Engineering Wing,” Omar said.
“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.”
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.
The Chief Minister highlighted the severe shortage of nursing staff, with one nurse being responsible for up to 30 beds during night shifts.
He acknowledged the lack of recruitment over the last 11 years and promised steps to address this critical issue, ensuring better care for patients.
About Medical Tourism Potential, Omar said the original plan for SKIMS included facilities like huts and lodges for patient recovery, reflecting its vision of promoting medical tourism. “This plan remained incomplete due to some reasons but I am sure with the passage of time, we will implement it as we have the land available,” he said.
On reducing the Burden on SKIMS, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of minimizing unnecessary referrals to the institute, allowing it to function more efficiently and focus on critical cases. “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.
Omar reiterated his government’s commitment to providing all necessary support to SKIMS to help it overcome its challenges and serve as a leading healthcare institution as envisioned by late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah. “Whatever is possible from my side, we will do that to make this institute as one of the best hospitals of the country,” he said
On the occasion, the Chief Minister e-inaugurated and laid e-foundation stones for several projects, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister 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.
Chief Minister 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 upgrade around SKIMS to make this vision a reality.
Chief Minister called for minimizing referrals to SKIMS by strengthening sub-district and district hospitals, thereby reducing the pressure on the Institute.
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. (With Inputs from KIINS)
