SKIMS is the lone medical university of the union territory of J&K which is headed by a Director who is also the Ex-officio Secretary to the Government. Lieutenant Governor J&K is the Chairperson of the SKIMS governing body that performs the role of the cabinet for the semi-autonomous super-specialty hospital and the deemed university.
The construction commenced in the year 1976. The Institute was partially commissioned on 5 December 1982. On 19 August 1983, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences was granted a Deemed University status. Every year the institute celebrates 5 December as its foundation day that coincides with the birthdate of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.
The institute also has an affiliated medical college and hospital on the city outskirts at Bemina. SKIMS has been serving as an industry for the production of highly qualified doctors, nurses, and paramedical personnel. Some of the graduates of this medical university are now working as licensed physicians in countries like the US, Australia, UK, etc. and have brought laurels to this institution.
