SRINAGAR, Jul 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday inaugurated a modern 120-bedded additional block at the Bone & Joint Hospital, Srinagar, reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare and education — the two foundational pillars of development.
Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister toured the new operation theatres, wards, staircases and ramps, and interacted with doctors, faculty and staff.
Addressing the gathering, Omar Abdullah stressed that no amount of infrastructure development — whether roads, power projects or commercial buildings — can substitute the importance of quality healthcare and education. “Without robust schools, colleges, universities and hospitals, our progress as a society will remain incomplete,” he said.
Reflecting on the hospital’s history of resilience, he recalled the challenges it has weathered — from the devastating 2014 floods to the 2022 fire that destroyed key facilities, including operation theatres and wards. “Even without a roof for six months, our doctors and administrators resumed surgeries within days. Their dedication is truly commendable,” he noted.
Sharing a personal anecdote, Omar Abdullah recounted being treated at the hospital after a cycling accident in 1987, five years after it was inaugurated by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. “Thanks to the skill of the surgeons here, I can still run 10–12 kilometers at the age of 55,” he remarked.
He underlined the need for adequate staffing in the newly inaugurated block and directed relevant departments to expedite the creation of required posts. “We didn’t cut this ribbon for a photo opportunity. It will only be meaningful when these beds are occupied, the OTs are functional, and our faculty is training future doctors,” he asserted.
In his capacity as Minister for Housing & Urban Development, the Chief Minister also announced a special survey to identify water-logging hotspots in Srinagar and frame a comprehensive project to address them. He added that two to three major infrastructure projects would soon be launched to ease traffic congestion in the city.
Congratulating the Principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, the faculty, doctors and hospital staff, Omar Abdullah described the institution as “not just a building, but a beacon of hope and healing.”
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, in his address, reaffirmed that the vision laid down by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah would continue with renewed commitment under the present leadership.
Minister for Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, highlighted the significant progress of the Bone & Joint Hospital project under the current government and noted ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, including the establishment of MRI facilities, Cath Labs and advanced diagnostic services.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Pardesi, and Secretary Health & Medical Education Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah also addressed the gathering, applauding the dedication of healthcare professionals and administrators behind the project.
The event was attended by several legislators from across Kashmir, Principal GMC Srinagar Dr. Iffat Hassan, the Medical Superintendent of the Bone & Joint Hospital, senior faculty members, doctors and a large number of citizens.
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