Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he will take up the issue of restoring statehood to J&K with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
“The prime minister and the home minister were busy with elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. But now that they have time, this issue will be taken up so that J&K’s statehood is restored soon,” Abdullah told reporters after attending a function to commemorate the 42nd foundation day of SKIMS Hospital here.
The foundation for the tertiary-care hospital was laid on the birth anniversary of National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on this day in 1982, less than three months after his demise.
Asked if the holiday on the NC founder’s birth anniversary will be restored, the chief minister said there are many things that need to be brought back in Jammu and Kashmir, but the priority is to restore its statehood first.
“There are many other dates as well, but we have to fight a bigger contest. We have to fight for the restoration of J&K’s statehood. We are hopeful that the prime minister will keep his promise made not to us, but to the people of J&K during the Lok Sabha elections and the Assembly polls that followed,” Abdullah said.
“The elections saw huge participation of people. There were no complaints of people being forcibly taken to the booths. Rather, they went on their own and made the elections a huge success with the hope that the promises made to them, especially on restoring J&K’s statehood, will be fulfilled,” the chief minister said.
On the importance of SKIMS Hospital, Abdullah said it was built so that people of J&K do not feel the need to go to other tertiary-care institutes such as the PGI or AIIMS.
“This hospital has served the people of J&K. Yet there are some weaknesses and shortcomings. The autonomy of SKIMS, along with its engineering wing, must be restored,” Abdullah said.
“SKIMS has given a lot to Jammu and Kashmir, far beyond expectations, despite difficulties, financial constraints, outdated equipment, and staff shortages,” Abdullah said.
He lauded SKIMS’ authorities for handling immense pressure due to inadequate infrastructure at district and sub-district hospitals, which forces patients with routine medical needs to seek treatment at SKIMS.
He said that SKIMS’ autonomy, once a hallmark of its efficient functioning, has been eroded, impacting its engineering and maintenance capabilities.
Citing critical challenges like power outages, oxygen plant failures, and cumbersome procurement procedures, he called for immediate action to restore the institution’s operational independence.
The chief minister also raised concerns over prolonged recruitment delays, particularly in nursing, where a single nurse is reportedly tasked with managing 30 beds at night, a situation he termed “unsustainable”.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting SKIMS by introducing new technologies, upgrading equipment, and alleviating its operational burdens.
“SKIMS represent a beacon of hope for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. My government will continue to stand with SKIMS to ensure it grows, thrives, and continues to serve the people with excellence,” the Chief Minister said.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister, according to an official press release, e-inaugurated and laid e-foundation stones for several projects, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
He praised the Institute for its invaluable services and its readiness to respond in times of exigency.
The 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.
The Chief Minister also called for minimizing referrals to SKIMS by strengthening sub-district and district hospitals, thereby reducing the pressure on the Institute.
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.
