SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that health and education must form the base of Jammu and Kashmir’s development, adding that roads and power projects come later. He was speaking after inaugurating a 120-bedded additional block at the Bone and Joint Hospital in Srinagar.
The Chief Minister inspected the new facility, including operation theatres, ramps, staircases, and wards, and interacted with hospital staff and faculty.
In his address, the CM said infrastructure alone cannot define progress and that the absence of functional healthcare and education systems weakens society. He recalled that the Bone and Joint Hospital had continued to function through the 2014 floods and a fire in 2022 that damaged several key sections, including four operation theatres and teaching spaces.
He noted that despite these incidents, hospital staff resumed surgeries within days. The CM said the hospital, inaugurated by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in May 1982, continues to serve patients from across the Valley, Pir Panjal, Chenab, and Kargil.
Sharing a personal memory, Omar Abdullah said he had been treated at the hospital following a cycling accident five years after its inauguration.
He directed the Health Department to ensure that the newly inaugurated block becomes fully operational by filling up required staff positions. “These facilities must function, not just exist,” he said.
As Minister for Housing and Urban Development, the CM also announced a city-wide survey to identify waterlogging spots in Srinagar. He said a detailed project will follow to address the issue drain-by-drain. He added that two or three major infrastructure projects will also be launched to ease traffic congestion in the city.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said the Bone and Joint Hospital project progressed under the current administration. Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, said healthcare services across J&K are being strengthened through government medical colleges.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Sheikh Ahsan Pardesi, and Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah also addressed the gathering.
The event was attended by legislators, Principal GMC Srinagar Dr. Iffat Hassan, the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, doctors, and citizens.
