Srinagar, Mar 12: A small and bustling hub around the Valley’s premier Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, has become a home as well as a lifeline for the patients and attendants visiting the hospital for treatment.
Over the years, Bohlochipora market in Soura has grown alongside the hospital, serving families, especially those from the far-flung areas, in their moments of need.
For the families from far-off villages, the visit to SKIMS is often stressful. However, Bohlochipora market, in such times, has been serving as a place of comfort and convenience for them, offering almost everything visitors might need during their stay.
Lined with small shops, pharmacies and eateries, the market has gradually evolved into a support system for those seeking treatment at the hospital. From basic medicines and medical supplies to warm clothes, daily essentials and simple meals, the market ensures that attendants do not have to travel far to meet their needs while caring for their loved ones.
Many shopkeepers in the area say their businesses have grown around the needs of SKIMS visitors. Pharmacies remain open for long hours, often helping attendants find prescribed medicines quickly.
Junaid Ahmad, a resident, said that a Pharmacy, Ali Jana, remains open 24×7 for the patients. “The shutter of this shop has never been shut down in the last many years,” he said.
Besides, the food outlets provide affordable meals for families who spend days or even weeks near the hospital.
Ali Muhammad, a resident, said that the inhabitants here provide rooms to the patients for some time till their treatment is completed. “The small guest houses and rented rooms offer economical accommodation for those who cannot afford expensive hotels in the city,” he said.
For attendants who spend sleepless nights waiting for medical updates, the Bohlochipora market offers a brief respite from hospital corridors. A cup of tea at a roadside stall or a warm meal at a local eatery often brings a moment of relief during difficult times.
Residents say the market has become an informal extension of SKIMS itself. “People come here from every corner of Kashmir. Many of them are visiting Srinagar for the first time, and this market helps them feel less lost,” said a local shopkeeper.
However, the attendants, visiting the market, said that the only issue they face in this market is the exorbitant rates, saying that this needs to be resolved by the concerned authorities by conducting frequent market checks here.
Moreover, they appealed to the Food Safety department to ensure that the hygiene and safe food are served to them.
Yamin-ul-Nabi, Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety Department, Srinagar, said that the market checking is being conducted frequently.
“We have been inspecting the market to ensure the patients and attendants are served quality and hygienic food,” Nabi said.
