On On the 42nd foundation day of SKIMS Omar Abdullah Said, Restoring SKIMS autonomy my Govt’s top priority

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reiterated his demand for the restoration of statehood, stating that the promises made to the people must be honoured at all costs.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 42nd foundation day of SKIMS, Omar Abdullah, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), he said that people participated in droves in recent polls and that their commitment to the cause must be honoured.

When asked about declaration of holiday on the birth anniversary of National Conference founder Sheikh Abdullah, Omar said that they have a significant battle ahead-to ensure Jammu and Kashmir regains its status as a state. “This is not just about us but about the promises made by the Prime Minister to the people of J&K during parliamentary and assembly elections. People of J&K participated in those elections with full enthusiasm, hoping their trust would be honored.”

He added the Prime Minister and Home Minister were understandably occupied with polls in Maharashtra and elsewhere. “Now that those matters are resolved, we will talk to them again and expect them to fulfill their commitment to the people of J&K and restore its statehood without delay.”

On the issue of survey in Mosques and shrines across the country, Omar stressed the importance of India’s secular foundation.

He stated, “Our Constitution guarantees the right to live freely, irrespective of one’s religion or even if one chooses not to follow any religion. This fundamental principle of secularism must be upheld. However, a systematic effort seems to be underway to target our mosques and religious institutions. This is unacceptable.”

Omar further remarked, “We don’t ask for appeasement and not seeking appeasement doesn’t mean we should be targeted. Let us not victimise communities under the guise of opposing appeasement. Jammu and Kashmir has always been integral to India’s foundation, and its secular ethos must be preserved.”

On the 42nd foundation day of Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah his government’s priority is to restore its autonomy, address staff shortages, and modernise equipment.

“SKIMS has given a lot to Jammu and Kashmir, far beyond expectations, despite difficulties, financial constraints, outdated equipment, and staff shortages,” Omar Abdullah said, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

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. “The autonomy of SKIMS has also been compromised, affecting its engineering and maintenance capabilities. Issues like power outages, oxygen plant malfunctions, and delayed procurement of medical supplies due to cumbersome processes are unacceptable and dangerous. These need immediate attention. Additionally, critical areas like nursing have faced recruitment delays for over a decade. I have heard that a single nurse is responsible for 30 beds at night, which is unsustainable,” he said.

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.”

Omar said that SKIMS was envisioned by Sheikh Abdullah to provide advanced medical care within the region, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment outside Jammu and Kashmir.

He reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting SKIMS by introducing new technologies, upgrading equipment, and alleviating its operational burdens.

“SKIMS represents 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,” Omar said.

“I can attest to this personally, as I have visited SKIMS in various capacities. Although I never attended an official event at SKIMS, I have been here as a patient, an attendant, and to accompany my father during his treatment. When my father tested positive for COVID, I was advised to shift him to Delhi via air ambulance. However, he firmly refused, saying the treatment he could receive at SKIMS would not be available elsewhere. Remarkably, within five and a half days, the medical staff treated him and sent him home, restoring him to health during the challenging Delta wave. My family and I will forever remain grateful for this,” he said—(KNO)