Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated a 120-bedded additional block at the Bones & Joints Hospital, Srinagar, reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening the two foundational pillars of development—health and education.
After inauguration, the Chief Minister also took a round of the operation theatres, staircase, ramp and wards, and interacted with the hospital staff and faculty members, an official press release informed.
It said addressing a large gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that no amount of infrastructure development—be it roads, power projects, or commercial complexes—can substitute for quality healthcare and education. “Without robust schools, colleges, universities and hospitals, our progress as a society will remain incomplete,” he stated.
Recalling the rich legacy of the Bones & Joints Hospital, CM Omar said that the institution has faced extraordinary challenges over the past 30–35 years. “From natural disasters to tragic accidents, this hospital has stood as a symbol of resilience and commitment,” he said.
He reminisced about the 2014 floods, when floodwaters first breached the Bones & Joints Hospital. “I vividly remember standing under this bridge, trying to protect the hospital from being overrun. Despite the devastation, this hospital never turned its back on people—it continued to provide treatment,” he said.
The Chief Minister also referred to the 2022 fire that destroyed major sections of the hospital, including four operation theatres, referral rooms, teaching areas, and multiple wards. “Even without a roof for six months, our doctors and administrators resumed surgeries within days. Their dedication is commendable,” he added.
Highlighting the vision of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who had inaugurated the hospital in May 1982, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed pride in carrying that vision forward. “Today, we are opening a new chapter in the hospital’s journey—one that will serve not just Srinagar, but patients from every corner of the Valley, and even from Chenab, Pir Panjal, and Kargil,” he said.
Sharing a personal anecdote, CM Omar revealed that he too had been a patient at the hospital following a cycling accident five years after its inauguration. “Thanks to the skill of the surgeons here, I can still run 10–12 kilometers at the age of 55. That’s the quality of care this hospital provides,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need for staffing in the newly inaugurated facility and directed concerned departments to expedite the creation of required posts. “We didn’t cut this ribbon for a photo opportunity. It will only be meaningful when these beds are occupied, OTs are functional, and our faculty is teaching future doctors,” he asserted.
As Minister for Housing & Urban Development, Omar Abdullah also announced a special survey to identify water-logging hotspots in Srinagar. He said a comprehensive project will be framed to address the issue, drain by drain, to make Srinagar a true smart city.
He further assured that two to three major infrastructure projects will soon be launched to ease traffic congestion in the city.
The Chief Minister extended his congratulations to the Principal of Government Medical College Srinagar, faculty members, doctors, staff, and administration of Bone and Joint Hospital. “This hospital is not just a building—it’s a beacon of hope and healing. Together, we will ensure it continues to serve generations to come,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary reaffirmed that the mission and vision laid down by Sher-e-Kashmir will continue with renewed focus and energy under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Minister for Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, in her address, said that following the formation of the present government under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Bone & Joint Hospital project has witnessed significant progress and was successfully completed.
She further emphasized that medical care facilities across Jammu and Kashmir are being continuously upgraded. “From MRI facilities to Cath Labs and other advanced diagnostic and treatment services, our aim is to provide world-class healthcare through our Government Medical Colleges and associated hospitals,” she said.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Pardesi, and Secretary Health & Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah also addressed the gathering, lauding the efforts of the administration and healthcare workers involved in the project.
The event was attended by several legislators from across Kashmir, Principal GMC Srinagar Dr. Iffat Hassan, Medical Superintendent Bones & Joints Hospital, senior faculty members, doctors and a large number of citizens.
CM pledges to strengthen medical education, rural health infra
Addresses Annual Day Function at SKIMS Medical College Bemina
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today addressed the Annual Day function of SKIMS Medical College & Hospital, Bemina, where he commended the commitment of the faculty, students and newly inducted doctors.
Addressing a gathering of medical professionals, students, staff, and parents, the Chief Minister, according to an official press release, said that the role of doctors in society is one of immense responsibility and trust.
“Patients in our region place their utmost faith in their doctors, almost as much as they place in Allah,” he said. “It is our collective duty to uphold that sacred trust with integrity and compassion.”
Highlighting the rapid evolution in medical science, the Chief Minister noted the constant advancement in technologies, treatments, and surgical methods. “From robotics to artificial intelligence, the medical profession is now at a crossroads of human care and machine efficiency. While tools like ChatGPT can simulate empathy and generate treatment suggestions, they can never replace the human touch that defines this profession,” he remarked.
In a light-hearted personal reflection, Omar Abdullah recalled how he narrowly avoided a career in medicine due to his fear of cadaver dissection, choosing instead to pursue commerce. “I lacked the aptitude and courage to become a doctor—but I have always had the utmost respect for those who do,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that earning a medical degree is only the beginning, and the real challenge lies in applying that knowledge to serve people, especially in underserved and rural areas. He urged young doctors to embrace government service not merely for job security but as a platform to deliver care where it is most needed.
“I meet aspirants who seek government jobs but don’t want to be posted even a few kilometers away from home. That mindset needs to change,” he added.
Underscoring the government’s focus on healthcare, the Chief Minister said that health and medical education would continue to receive top priority in budgetary allocations. “You have our full support—whether it’s infrastructure, staffing or training. But improving urban hospitals alone is not enough. If we are referring normal deliveries and minor surgeries to tertiary care due to staff shortages in rural areas, we are failing our system,” he said.
Omar Abdullah also praised the Principal of SKIMS Medical College for gaining wide popularity and earning the trust of students and staff in a remarkably short time. “It’s rare to see a rising popularity graph after four months in any leadership role. This speaks volumes about the direction in which this institution is headed,” he said.
Congratulating the graduating students and their families, the Chief Minister assured the parents that their sacrifices will not go in vain. “You have fulfilled your responsibility by educating your children. Now it is our duty to ensure they thrive and contribute meaningfully to the health sector of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He wished the students continued success and reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for SKIMS and its affiliated institutions.
Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Secretary H&ME Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Director SKIMS Soura Prof. Mohammad Ashraf Ganai, and Principal SKIMS Medical College & Hospital Dr. Fazlul Qadir Parray also addressed the gathering.
The event was attended by several MLAs, former directors of SKIMS, senior faculty members, outgoing graduates, students, parents, and others.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented certificates to the graduates of the 2019 batch and felicitated the families of deceased faculty members in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the college and hospital.
