Farooq Abdullah announces one crore rupees for SKIMS auditorium

Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference president, Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that there was a pressing need to carry out research at the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) here to “find cure for the emerging diseases”.

Speaking at the 36th annual day celebrations of SKIMS, Farooq referred to a news report on lack of quality medical research in India, and told the participants: “This is where your role comes into play. You are here not only to treat patients but do research as well. Research is a major thing and I hope SKIMS succeeds in becoming one of the great institutions of research.”

The SKIMS annual day, celebrated at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Center here, is observed every year on December 5 to mark the birth anniversary of National Conference founder, late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah.

Farooq said doctors at SKIMS have done “many things” to contribute in making make it a “wonderful institution”. “But”, he said, “A lot more needs to be done.”

He expressed concern at the growing pace of diseases and the “unmatched speed” of finding their treatments.

Stressing on the need to strengthen quality research in institutions, including the SKIMS, Farooq said: “Diseases tend to grow more, but we are unable to find treatments for these diseases.”

He hoped that SKIMS would focus on finding a cure to diabetes “from which I am myself suffering”.

“So many people suffer from this disease in India and across the world,” he said, adding that “time has come when we must carry out research and lead in finding a cure to diabetes.”

On the occasion, Farooq announced Rs one crore for construction of a new auditorium at the Institute and hoped that it would be ready by its next annual day celebrations.

“A big institution like SKIMS should have its own auditorium. You should not be dependent on this facility elsewhere. Therefore, I am going to give Rs one crore from my parliamentary fund for (construction) of a new auditorium at SKIMS. I request advisors (to governor) to convey it to the governor so that more funding is made available to enable its timely completion,” he said.

Advisor to governor K Vijay Kumar was the chief guest on the occasion, while advisors KK Sharma and BB Vyas, director SKIMS Prof Omar Javed Shah, former directors of the Institute and members of its governing body, doctors and officials from the government attended the function.