Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated 120-bed additional blocks at Bone and Joint Hospital, Srinagar, which confirms his government’s firm commitment to strengthen two basic pillars of development-health and education.
After the inauguration, the Chief Minister also took a round of operation theater, ladder, ramps and wards and interacted with hospital staff and faculty members.
Addressing a large gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that there is no amount of infrastructure development – it may not be the option for roads, power projects, or commercial complexes – quality healthcare and education. “Our progress as a society will remain incomplete,” without strong schools, colleges, universities and hospitals, “he said.
Recalling the rich heritage of Bone and Joint Hospital, CM Omar said that the institution has faced extraordinary challenges in the last 30-35 years. “From natural disasters to tragic accidents, this hospital stands as a symbol of flexibility and commitment,” he said.
He reminded of the 2014 floods, when the flood waters first violated the bone and joint hospital. He said, “I remember standing under this bridge, an attempt is being made to save the hospital from uprooting. Despite the destruction, the hospital never hit the people behind – continued to provide treatment,” he said.
The Chief Minister also mentioned the fire of 2022, which destroyed the major sections of the hospital, including four operation theater, referral room, teaching area and several wards. He said, “Without a roof for six months, our doctors and administrators resumed surgery within days. Their dedication is commendable,” he said.
Highlighting the vision of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who inaugurated the hospital in May 1982, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed pride in advancing that vision. “Today, we are opening a new chapter in a hospital trip – one that will serve not only Srinagar, but will also work with patients from every corner of the valley and even Chenb, Pir Panjal and Kargil,” he said.
Sharing an individual anecdote, CM Umar revealed that he too was a patient in the hospital after a bicycle accident five years after its inauguration. He said, “Thanks to the skills of the surgeons here, I can still run 10–12 kilometers at the age of 55. This is the quality of this hospital care,” he commented.
The Chief Minister emphasized the immediate need for employees in the new inauguration facility and directed the concerned departments to accelerate the construction of necessary posts. He said, “We did not cut this ribbon for a photo opportunity. It would only be meaningful when these beds are captured, OT is functional, and our faculty is teaching future doctors,” he said.
As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Omar Abdullah also announced a special survey to identify water-legging hotspots in Srinagar. He said that a comprehensive project would be prepared to address the issue, drainage to drain, to make Srinagar a true smart city.
He further assured that two to three major infrastructure projects will be launched soon to reduce the traffic congestion in the city.
The Chief Minister congratulated the Government Medical College Srinagar, faculty members, doctors, employees and the administration of the bone and joint hospital. He said, “This hospital is not just a building – it is a beacon of hope and treatment. Together, we will ensure that it will continue to serve the coming generations,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chaudhary confirmed that the mission and vision determined by Sher-e-Kashmir would continue with fresh attention and energy under the competent leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Health and Medical Education Minister, Sekena Itu said in his address that after the formation of the current government under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Bone and Joint Hospital project has seen significant progress and successfully completed.
He further emphasized that medical care facilities in Jammu and Kashmir are constantly being advanced. “From MRI facilities to cath labs and other advanced clinical and treatment services, our aim is to provide world class healthcare through our government medical colleges and related hospitals,” he said.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Pardesi, and Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah also addressed the gathering, appreciating the efforts of the administration and health workers involved in the project.
In this program, many MLAs of Kashmir, Principal GMC Srinagar Dr. Ifat Hasan, Medical Superintendent Bone and Joint Hospital, Senior Faculty members, doctors and a large number of citizens participated.