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Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) Embarks on a New Chapter in Medical Education and Healthcare at Kakryal, Katra
In a visionary initiative to improve healthcare services in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in underserved areas, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) initiated the construction of a Superspeciality Hospital at Kakryal, Katra, as an integral part of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME).
This effort culminated in the establishment of the state-of-the-art, 467-bedded Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, a NABH-accredited institution, which was inaugurated on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, at Kakryal.
The Tertiary Care Superspeciality Hospital, in collaboration with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, caters to patients across more than 20 different specialities, with a special focus on Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery, Medical & Surgical Gastroenterology, Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Renal Sciences, Medical, Radiation & Surgical Oncology, and Critical Care Medicine. This ensures affordable, high-quality care, a hallmark of Narayana Health, for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Recognizing the need for sustained excellence in healthcare, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor (Chairman, SMVDSB) highlighted the importance of establishing a Medical College and Nursing College to ensure the long-term sustainability of SMVDIME, given its strategic location. As a result, the SMVD College of Nursing was founded in Kakryal in 2016, further strengthening the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
Building on an interdisciplinary approach that integrates cutting-edge technology, evidence-based practices, and patient-centered care, SMVDIME planned the teaching and training of MBBS undergraduates. This initiative aims to revolutionize medical education, research, and healthcare delivery, with a proposal to enroll a batch of 50 MBBS students for the upcoming academic session.
Building on this momentum, the recent Board Meeting saw the Shrine Board grant in-principle approval for the establishment of a 50-seat Medical College, in accordance with National Medical Commission norms/ guidelines , with provisions to expand to a 100-seat capacity by the third year.
A 34-acre parcel of land, previously unused by SMVD University, has been identified for the construction of the proposed SMVDIME Medical College. This comprehensive facility will include a five-story building, with the top floor dedicated to a Paramedical College. Additionally, an adjacent 11-acre plot has been designated for the establishment of a Dental College.
To support the infrastructure needs of the Medical College, the construction of hostels for boys, girls, and faculty has also been approved.
In an effort to optimize resources, several key facilities, including the Central Library, Auditorium, and Playground, will be shared between SMVD University and SMVDIME Medical College.
The establishment process of the SMVDIME Medical College has already begun. As part of this project, the existing infrastructure of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital will be upgraded with the addition of 250 beds and the necessary infrastructure to meet National Medical Commission standards. This will be done alongside the construction of the SMVDIME Medical College and faculty hostels.
The SMVDIME Medical College is expected to be completed within two years. In the interim, the Administrative Block of SMVD University will be used for the temporary operations of the Medical College.
The Medical College will be affiliated with SMVD University, with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital serving as its teaching hospital. It is poised to become a premier institution, offering exceptional educational opportunities through its distinguished faculty. MBBS students will receive hands-on training in approximately 26 specialties available at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital in Kakryal.
This ambitious initiative highlights the commitment of SMVDIME and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) to providing world-class medical education and healthcare in Jammu & Kashmir, paving the way for a healthier future for the region.
