Srinagar, July 15, 2025 – SKIMS Medical College & Hospital, Bemina, celebrated its Annual Day with a grand function at the college premises, bringing together faculty, students, and prominent dignitaries in a vibrant display of academic excellence and community spirit. The event, held amid the ongoing Shrawan Mahotsav and regional tourism initiatives, underscored the institute’s pivotal role in advancing healthcare education and services in Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, emphasizing the institution’s contribution to healthcare and its alignment with the government’s vision for accessible, quality medical services. “SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, is a beacon of hope for our people, training future doctors to serve with compassion and expertise,” Abdullah said, commending the institute’s efforts in addressing regional healthcare challenges. He also highlighted the need for integrating advanced technology and research to strengthen medical education, echoing his recent calls for digitization in tourism and rural infrastructure projects.
The event was attended by distinguished Guests of Honour, including Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr. Abid Rasheed Shah, Director SKIMS Soura Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, and Principal SKIMS Medical College Dr. Fazal Q. Paray. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to bolstering healthcare infrastructure, as evidenced by recent initiatives like the approval of advanced medical equipment for GMC Baramulla and staff promotions at SKIMS Soura
Minister Sakina Itoo, addressing the gathering, reiterated the unparalleled legacy of SKIMS, founded by Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, in delivering cutting-edge healthcare. “The institute’s contributions to Jammu and Kashmir’s medical landscape are unmatched, and we are committed to ensuring its facilities benefit every citizen,” she said, referencing her recent remarks at the National Doctors’ Day celebrations at SKIMS Soura. Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS Soura, highlighted the collaborative efforts between SKIMS Soura and Bemina in advancing medical research and patient care, while Principal Dr. Fazal Q. Paray outlined the college’s achievements, including recent awareness programs like World Hypertension Day and International Day Against Drug Abuse.
The Annual Day featured cultural performances, student presentations, and awards for academic and extracurricular excellence, fostering a sense of pride among the SKIMS community. The event also served as a platform to discuss future goals, including expanding infrastructure and integrating digital tools for medical education, aligning with CM Abdullah’s vision for modernizing Jammu and Kashmir’s institutions.
The celebration coincided with heightened regional activities, including the ongoing Amarnath Yatra secured by BSF Bomb Disposal Squads and the Shrawan Mahotsav at Shiv Khori, reflecting the government’s focus on balancing cultural, spiritual, and developmental priorities. The presence of dignitaries like Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, who recently accompanied Abdullah during a visit to SKIMS Soura, further highlighted the administration’s hands-on approach to healthcare advancements.
