SRINAGAR, December 5, 2025 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today presided over the 43rd Foundation Day celebrations of the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), reaffirming his government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening tertiary healthcare and medical infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was attended by Health & Medical Education Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo, Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Director AIIMS New Delhi Dr. M. Srinivas (virtual), Director SKIMS Dr. M. Ashraf Ganie, senior faculty, doctors, researchers, MLAs and healthcare professionals.
In a major announcement, the Chief Minister revealed that following his intervention, the SASCI funding window—earlier available only to states—has now been extended to Union Territories, enabling J&K to access long-term, zero-interest capital investment loans.
“This is a unique opportunity. I want SKIMS to take full advantage of it by conceptualising a major project that can be completed within 2–3 years,” Omar Abdullah said.
Paying tribute to Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the Chief Minister described the establishment of SKIMS as a visionary achievement unmatched even today.
“Even now, building another institution like SKIMS or SKICC seems nearly impossible. It reflects the foresight of Sher-e-Kashmir,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister highlighted SKIMS’ role as the primary destination for advanced medical treatment in J&K, reducing the need for patients to seek care outside the Union Territory. At the same time, he stressed the urgent need to upgrade district and sub-district hospitals to ease the growing patient burden on SKIMS.
“People should not have to rush to SKIMS for routine treatment. We must strengthen healthcare at peripheral levels as well,” he asserted.
Commending the efforts of Director Dr. M. Ashraf Ganie and the entire SKIMS team, Omar Abdullah praised the institute’s performance in research, patient care and medical education despite infrastructural and operational challenges.
During the event, the Chief Minister:
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Released the SKIMS Annual Report
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Unveiled two publications — UPSC CMS Book and Histology Essentials
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E-inaugurated major new facilities, including:
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Linear Accelerator (Linac) Bunker for cancer care
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Digital MRD
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Paediatric Emergency Unit
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Digital X-Ray Services
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10 MVA 33/11 KV OLTC Power Transformer
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Patient-cum-Attendant Park
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The celebrations also featured academic sessions and reflections on SKIMS’ four-decade journey as one of North India’s premier tertiary-care, research and teaching institutions.
