J&K Govt to support SKIMS with new infrastructure, upgrade district & sub-district hospitals

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 05 (STC): Jammu and Kashmir government will work on two fronts—supporting Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) with new infrastructure and simultaneously upgrading district and sub-district hospitals to lessen the burden on SKIMS significantly.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister stated this at the annual function (43rd Foundation Day ceremony) of SKIMS here today. He said people should not be compelled to come to SKIMS for routine treatment. This happens only when peripheral hospitals fail to deliver adequate healthcare.
The event was attended by Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakeena Masood Itoo; Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Javid Ahmad Dar and Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; Dr. M. Srinivas, Director AIIMS New Delhi who joined virtually; Sher-i-Kashmir Orator Dr. Madhabananda Kar; Director SKIMS Dr. M. Ashraf Ganie; Dean Medical Faculty SKIMS; Principal SKIMS MCH Bemina Dr. Fazlul Q Parray; Organising Chairman Dr. (Prof.) Muzaffar Maqsood; MLAs, SKICC Director Haris Ahmed Handoo, senior faculty members, researchers, doctors, students and a large gathering of healthcare professionals.
He announced that the introduction of the new SASCI funding window, previously available only to states, had now—following his intervention—been extended to Union Territories as well. This, he said, has created an unprecedented opportunity for J&K to access long-term, zero-interest capital expenditure loans.
“This year, we finally gained access to SASCI. Under this mechanism, we can now avail funds for capital investment. This is a unique chance for us, and I want SKIMS to take full advantage of it,” the Chief Minister said.
He urged the SKIMS administration to conceptualise a major project that can be completed within a period of 2-3 years.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister commended Director Dr. M. Ashraf Ganie and the entire SKIMS team for maintaining high standards in research, patient care, and medical education despite numerous challenges.
“I congratulate the Director and his team. Despite difficulties, SKIMS has grown—academically, clinically, and institutionally. I wish to see this institute flourish even more and continue to deliver world-class healthcare to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also released the SKIMS Annual Report, while the Ministers unveiled two publications — UPSC CMS Book and Histology Essentials.
The Chief Minister further e-inaugurated a series of new facilities and infrastructure upgrades, including the Linac Bunker for cancer treatment, Digital MRD, Paediatric Emergency Unit, Digital X-Ray services, a 10 MVA 33/11 KV OLTC Transformer, and a newly developed Patient-cum-Attendant Park.
(Straight Talk Communications)