Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today complimented the medical fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir for the dedication they have shown in their profession time and again. She hoped that the dedication exhibited is sustained to produce world class medical professionals from the State.Addressing the 34th annual day function of Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) here today, the Chief Minister said the doctors and paramedics from the State have displayed their genius within the country and abroad. She said our medical fraternity is second to none in terms of dedication and capability adding the dedication needs to be sustained so that world class medical professionals come out from Jammu & Kashmir.The Chief Minister said Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing a massive expansion in medical education with two AIIMS, five medical colleges, many nursing colleges and research centres coming up in the State. She said time has come to think of a separate medical university now to regulate and supervise the ever-expanding activities in the medical education sector.Complimenting the faculty, staff and students on its annual day, Mehbooba Mufti expressed the resolve and commitment of her Government to further strengthen and expand SKIMS infrastructure adding the doctors and paramedics have done an exemplary job in providing tertiary healthcare services to people, particularly during the last five months.
The Chief Minister also paid rich tributes to late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah for his services to people of the State.On the occasion, the Chief Minister gave away prizes and mementos to meritorious students and staff of SKIMS. She also released the Annual Report-2016 of the Institute.Earlier, Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat in his address also appreciated the medical fraternity of the Valley for having worked round the clock during the last four months. He also assured all support from the Government to the further growth and development of SKIMS.Minister of State for Health & Medical Education, Asea Naqash, Minister of State for Hajj & Auqaf, Syed Farooq Ahmad Andrabi, several legislators, Director, Institute of Liver & Biliary Diseases, New Delhi, Prof. S. K. Sareen, Director SKIMS, Prof. A G Ahangar, former Directors of the institute, Facility members and prominent doctors of the State were present on the occasion.