by Shadab Ali Gillani
SRINAGAR: On the 42nd Foundation Day of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister delivered a stirring speech that reignited hope for the revival of the premier healthcare institution. His address, marked by blunt honesty and a commitment to reform, drew repeated applause from the SKIMS staff.
Omar Abdullah reflected on his family’s personal experience with SKIMS, recalling how the institute played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic when his father, Dr Farooq Abdullah, was hospitalised. “Prime Minister Modi suggested that my father be flown to Delhi for treatment, but he refused, saying SKIMS is better equipped,” Omar shared. “We were scared, but within five days, SKIMS sent him home walking on his legs. My family and I will never forget that.”
He lauded the institute’s founding vision, crafted by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who recognised the struggles of patients forced to seek treatment in the plains. SKIMS was created as a beacon of advanced medical care for the region. Omar also touched on the original plan of constructing lakeside cottages to promote medical tourism and recovery, an idea that remains unrealised but holds promise for the future.
“That land is still with us,” he said. “We will transform it into a medical tourism facility, fulfilling Sheikh Abdullah’s vision.”
Omar emphasised the institute’s reputation, noting that more people request admission to SKIMS than to premier institutions like AIIMS and PGI Chandigarh. He vowed to restore its identity as a tertiary care and referral hospital, addressing the issue of overwhelming patient numbers. “It’s not your fault,” he told the staff. “The problem lies with the poor performance of district and sub-district hospitals, which forces patients to come here for minor ailments.”
He promised to reduce this burden by improving healthcare facilities outside Srinagar, ensuring that basic cases such as normal deliveries and appendectomies are treated locally.
Omar acknowledged that SKIMS had suffered due to the erosion of its autonomy in recent years, which impacted routine maintenance and procurement. He recounted an incident where power failure during a blackout forced doctors to perform chest compressions manually because the oxygen concentrators were non-functional.
“I want to restore the autonomy of SKIMS,” he declared. “We will fix procurement issues with the medical supplies corporation and ensure a smoother, more efficient process.”
The lack of staff and outdated equipment were other pressing concerns. “In 11 years, there have been no recruitments for nurses or other critical positions. One nurse managing 30 beds during night shifts is impossible. It’s not your fault. We have tied your hands, but we will untie them to help SKIMS thrive again,” he assured the audience.
Reflecting on his previous tenure, Omar highlighted his efforts to support SKIMS financially and administratively. He reiterated his commitment to bringing in new technology, upgrading infrastructure, and ensuring uninterrupted progress.
Ending on a heartfelt note, he recognised the vital role SKIMS plays in society. “I know how much it matters when a loved one is unwell. SKIMS sends our family members home healthy. That is the greatest work you are doing, and we will do everything to support you.”
Omar Abdullah’s speech marked a moment of renewed hope for SKIMS and underscored the government’s commitment to restoring the institute’s status as a premier healthcare facility.
