Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Dec 05 (KINS: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday said that his government was committed to restore the Autonomy of premier health institution—Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) for the larger interests of patient care.
Addressing the 42nd Annual Day function of SKIMS here that also coincided with his grandfather and National Conference founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah’s anniversary, Omar said that he was shocked to know that doctors had to handle patients in the Intensive Care Unit of the Institute for five to seven minutes during power breakdown.
“This is because the Institute after losing its Autonomy has no control over the Engineering Wing,” Omar said as per news agency KINS.
“My government is committed to restore the Autonomy of this premier institution in full so that patients get quality health care. For that I will sit with the Health Minister Sakina Itoo and chalk out a strategy.”
In February last year, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha led administration had rolled back SKIMS Autonomy and its administrative control was given to the Health and Medical Education Department.
The Chief Minister highlighted the severe shortage of nursing staff, with one nurse being responsible for up to 30 beds during night shifts.
He acknowledged the lack of recruitment over the last 11 years and promised steps to address this critical issue, ensuring better care for patients.
About Medical Tourism Potential, Omar said the original plan for SKIMS included facilities like huts and lodges for patient recovery, reflecting its vision of promoting medical tourism. “This plan remained incomplete due to some reasons but I am sure with the passage of time, we will implement it as we have the land available,” he said.
On reducing the Burden on SKIMS, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of minimizing unnecessary referrals to the institute, allowing it to function more efficiently and focus on critical cases. “We should not have cases of normal delivery, appendicitis and headaches at SKIMS from districts. This should stop to ensure there is less burden on the Institute. The basic concept of the SKIMS is to provide quality health care and specialised treatment,” he said.
Omar reiterated his government’s commitment to providing all necessary support to SKIMS to help it overcome its challenges and serve as a leading healthcare institution as envisioned by late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah. “Whatever is possible from my side, we will do that to make this institute as one of the best hospitals of the country,” he said—(KINS)
