Srinagar, Dec 5: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday expressed surprise over the absence of civil administration officials at a function at SKIMS, saying it reflected gaps in institutional coordination at a time when the premier medical institute required stronger support from the government.
Speaking at the event, Omar said he had initially considered declining the invitation because SKIMS, in his words, no longer remained under the functional control of the elected government.
“When the Director SKIMS invited me, I thought I would refuse. The control of SKIMS is not in our hands, the files don’t even come to us. I wondered what the point was in attending,” he said. Omar added that he eventually decided to participate because he did not wish to blame the Director or the faculty for administrative shortcomings. “Look at the audience, not a single officer from the administration is present. I don’t know why. Are they being kept away from such functions?” he asked.
Omar said that during his previous tenure in government, considerable efforts were made to strengthen the institute financially. He mentioned that on his request, the central government has agreed to allow SKIMS access to a fund of Rs 2,000 crore at zero percent interest. “After Jammu and Kashmir was downgraded to a Union Territory, we were deprived of this facility which is otherwise available to states,” he said.
Encouraging future growth, Omar advised the Director SKIMS to propose a major project aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding services. He said he could help secure annual support in the range of Rs 50 to 60 crore for the institute. “I will leave it to the Director to come up with a project worth around Rs 150 crore,” he remarked.
He also commended SKIMS faculty and staff for maintaining high standards of patient care despite constraints, saying the institution remained a crucial pillar of public health in Jammu and Kashmir. (KNT)
