Bilal Bashir Bhat
On the 42nd Foundation Day of Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to restoring the institution’s autonomy, addressing critical issues like staffing shortages and outdated equipment.
He emphasized the need for operational independence, citing challenges such as power outages and recruitment delays, particularly in nursing, where one nurse often manages 30 beds—a situation he described as unsustainable.
Director Prof Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ganie echoed these concerns, advocating for SKIMS to be elevated to a Medical University to enhance its role in regional healthcare.
He proposed modern infrastructure developments, including a 1,000-seat auditorium and advanced medical services like liver transplants, to meet the growing healthcare demands.
Both leaders underscored SKIMS’ vital role as a beacon of advanced medical care in Kashmir, highlighting the institution’s unwavering commitment to serving the people despite immense challenges.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister e-inaugurated and laid e-foundation stones for several projects, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
He also laid e-foundation stones for the Sports Ground, Transport Yard, and construction of more space for attendants.
LOST AUTONOMY
Established in 1977, SKIMS lost its autonomy on February 27, 2023, when administrative control was transferred to the Health and Medical Education Department. Director Prof. Parvaiz Ahmed Koul was instructed to route SKIMS matters to the Competent Authority through the H&ME Department.
In a letter which was sent by the GAD, stated that in terms of Entry No. 17 of the Table appended to the First Schedule of the Transaction of Business of Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India vide Notification G.S.R 534(E) dated 27.08.2020, “the administration of SKIMS has been assigned to Health and Medical Education Department.”
NO AUTONOMY
The J&K unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Thursday strongly criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for advocating autonomy for Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).
J&K BJP’s General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul dismissed the necessity of granting autonomy to SKIMS, suggesting that the institute was functioning well under the current administrative structure.
Reflecting on its condition up to the year 2000, the BJP leader alleged that the institute had become an “epicentre of militancy” with some employees even involved in such activities.
He said that SKIMS had been streamlined and transformed into a reputable healthcare institution serving people from every corner of J&K.
Koul expressed concern over any move to restore the institute’s autonomy, suggesting that it could potentially revert SKIMS to its “problematic past”.
He highlighted the critical role SKIMS now plays in providing treatment to thousands across the region and cautioned against decisions that might jeopardise this progress.
