Srinagar, Dec 05: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday expressed concern over the functioning of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura, stating that files related to the premier health institute are not being routed to him or his cabinet colleague, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo.
Addressing the 43rd Annual Day celebrations of SKIMS Soura, the Chief Minister questioned the practice of inviting elected representatives to official functions while bypassing them in administrative decision-making.
“I do not understand the meaning of inviting us when files related to SKIMS are neither sent to me nor to my cabinet colleague. Then I decided to come—why should we punish SKIMS, its faculty, or officials present here?” Omar said, as quoted by news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
He also took note of the absence of senior bureaucrats at the event. “We don’t know why bureaucrats are not here. I don’t know if they have been instructed not to attend,” he said.
In a significant assurance, the Chief Minister asked the Director of SKIMS to shortlist a major project that would directly benefit patients. “Director Sahib, sit with your colleagues and identify any big project. We will help you in securing funds under a scheme. A project requiring around Rs 200–250 crore can be completed within three to four years,” he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving patient facilities across Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that development should not be hindered by bureaucratic hurdles. (KINS)
