Srinagar, Dec 5 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday raised serious concern over the administrative functioning of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura, stating that crucial files pertaining to the premier health institute are not being routed through him or the Health and Medical Education Minister, Sakina Itoo.
Speaking at the 43rd Annual Day celebration of SKIMS, as per news agency JKNS, CM Omar questioned the practice of inviting elected representatives to official functions while excluding them from key decision-making processes.
“I do not understand the purpose of inviting us when SKIMS files are neither sent to me nor to my cabinet colleague. I still decided to attend, because why should SKIMS, its faculty, or its officials suffer due to this?” Omar said.
He also highlighted the absence of senior bureaucrats at the event. “We don’t know why bureaucrats are not here. Perhaps they were instructed not to attend,” he said.
“Look around, do you see any senior administrative officer here? I certainly don’t. I don’t know whether they were deliberately told not to attend, or whether they have been kept away from such programmes. I am not aware of the reason,” CM Omar said.
CM directed the Director SKIMS to identify a large-scale project that would directly benefit patients. “Sit with your colleagues and shortlist a major project. We will help secure funds. A project of around Rs 200-250 crore can be completed within three to four years,” he said.
Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that development must not be obstructed by bureaucratic hurdles.
Omar Abdullah began his speech by paying tribute to Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, calling him the visionary behind SKIMS. “Sheikh Sahib might not have imagined that even decades later, people would still prefer SKIMS for its treatment, doctors, and care,” he said.
He praised the institute’s four-decade journey, stating that SKIMS remains the most trusted healthcare institution in Jammu and Kashmir due to the dedication of its doctors, nurses, paramedics, and staff.
CM Omar said, “Since we are now a Union Territory, certain capital expenditure grants available to states are no longer extended to us,” he said.
He added that the government has already demanded restoration of such funding to support vital institutions like SKIMS.
Omar stressed the need for proper utilisation of available schemes, “If we invest efficiently this year, our allocation capacity will increase in the coming years.”
He encouraged SKIMS to plan major new infrastructure projects. “The proposals shared by the Director are important. I hope they are initiated soon so this government can lay the foundation and the next can complete them,” he said.
Omar said SKIMS continues to reflect the vision with which it was founded. “Patients across J&K and beyond prefer SKIMS because of the trust it commands,” he said, praising the humane treatment provided to patients.
CM Omar emotionally, said that, “When SKIMS celebrates its 83rd Annual Day, I will be 95 years old, but I will remember attending this 43rd celebration.”
He thanked the faculty, administration, and staff, urging them to continue serving with compassion and dedication. (JKNS)
