On the 42nd Foundation Day of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Chief Minister Omar Abdullah promised a comprehensive revival of the institute.
In a heartfelt speech, he outlined measures to restore its autonomy, address staff shortages, and upgrade facilities. His commitment to reviving Sheikh Abdullah’s vision for the premier healthcare institution struck a chord with the staff and attendees.
Omar Abdullah reflected on his family’s personal connection to SKIMS, narrating a critical moment when his father, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, chose to stay at SKIMS instead of seeking treatment outside the region during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Prime Minister Modi suggested transferring my father to Delhi, but he trusted SKIMS, saying it was better equipped,” Omar shared. He credited the institute’s medical team for his father’s quick recovery.
The former Chief Minister emphasized the institute’s pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare landscape. He acknowledged the immense pressure on SKIMS due to the inadequate performance of district and sub-district hospitals.
“Basic cases like normal deliveries and appendectomies shouldn’t reach SKIMS,” Omar noted, promising improvements to healthcare services in peripheral areas to alleviate the burden on the tertiary care center.
Omar also shed light on Sheikh Abdullah’s original vision of creating a world-class medical institute complemented by medical tourism facilities.
“Sheikh Sahib envisioned lakeside cottages to aid recovery and promote tourism. That idea remains unrealized, but we still have the land, and we’ll make it happen,” he said, renewing hope for future development.
Addressing long-standing challenges, Omar criticized the erosion of SKIMS’s autonomy, which has hindered its operations.
He cited an incident where power failure during a blackout forced doctors to perform manual chest compressions because the oxygen concentrators were non-functional. “We will restore the institute’s autonomy and streamline procurement processes to ensure such crises never happen again,” he assured.
A significant part of his address focused on human resource shortages.
Highlighting the plight of overburdened staff, Omar revealed, “For 11 years, no new nurses or staff have been recruited. One nurse managing 30 beds at night is inhumane. We will untie your hands and ensure SKIMS thrives again.”
The speech wasn’t without a nod to SKIMS’s reputation. Omar proudly remarked that more people seek admission at SKIMS than at AIIMS or PGI Chandigarh.
He pledged to enhance the institute’s infrastructure, introduce advanced technology, and prioritize staff welfare to maintain its standing as a premier healthcare facility.
Concluding his address, Omar spoke directly to the staff, acknowledging their contribution to society. “SKIMS is more than a hospital; it’s a lifeline for countless families. We owe you our gratitude and unwavering support,” he said.