Srinagar: The government on Wednesday applauded the functioning of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and called it as a “pride” of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
While Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu could not attend 37th annual day of SKIMS, his two advisors K K Sharma and Farooq Khan paid tribute to SKIMS founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah for establishing the premier institute.
“The founder of SKIMS who gave this idea and blessed this initiative was none other than late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah who has been our tallest leader,” said K K Sharma, Advisor to LG while addressing a gathering at SKICC on the banks of Dal Lake.
“Today is his (Abdullah’s) birthday and I would like to convey greetings to all and also pray for his soul. It is very nice that SKIMS marks its annual day on his birthday. I want to give greetings from that point of view also,” he said.
According to Sharma, the premier institute is a “great gift” for Jammu and Kashmir as people from different regions are benefitted.
The advisor said the governing body model of administration at SKIMS had been a success and the same methodology is in place at AIIMS New Delhi and PGI Chandigarh.
“At SKIMS, the decisions are taken quickly and the Director who is the chief executive of the institution can take the institution forward with excellence. We have seen Dr Npal who was chosen by Sheikh Abdullah and his growth shows that opportunities backed by financial and administrative support can produce excellence,” he added.
The government would support the institution and the faculty with the support and monetary sanctions, Sharma said.
Spelling out the initiatives, he said the government has given clearance for filling 500 posts at the Hospital.
Advisor Farooq Khan, who also spoke the event, said SKIMS is pride to people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and everyone speaks proudly about it.
“We don’t want to interfere in administration and professional work of SKIMS Soura. Professionals at SKIMS have been there in turbulent times and they performed their job amid all odds,” said Khan.
He said that SKIMS is an institution of great repute and people working there are keeping its flag high.
“SKIMS has come over after great difficulties and workers continue to perform their duties. I salute them for that and would try to do my best to support them,” Khan said.
Director SKIMS Dr AG Ahangar presented the annual report of the institute and deliberated on its role.
Others who spoke on the occasion were Dean Medical Faculty Dr Omar Javed Shah, Principal SKIMS Medical College, Bemina Dr Reyaz Untoo.
The function was attended by Directors and Deans of SKIMS Nursing College, GMC Srinagar, GMC Baramulla and GMC Anantnag besides a good number of medical and paramedical staff and key functionaries of SKIMS. The event was organised by an Organising Committee comprising Dr Shariq Masoodi, Dr Fazl Q Parray and Dr Rauf Ahmad Wani.

Manzoor ul-Hassan