Jammu: The newly established Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) has been granted 50 MBBS seats, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda.
The medical college, owned by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), began operations last year in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, and is set to start its first MBBS batch in the 2025-26 academic session.
“Grateful to Honourable PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji and Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri J.P. Nadda Ji for sanctioning 50 MBBS seats for the newly established SMVDIME,” the L-G said on X.
He added that this move not only fulfills SMVDSB’s commitment to providing world-class medical education in J&K but also advances the goal of improving healthcare access and producing highly skilled medical professionals in underserved areas.
The shrine board had, in its 71st meeting on August 19, 2023, given in-principle approval for a 50-seat medical college at Kakryal, with plans to eventually expand to 100 seats.
“Our aim is to enable more MBBS aspirants to study in the Union Territory. Over the past few years, we have made significant strides in increasing MBBS seats. These efforts will enhance access to specialized care and strengthen the healthcare system,” Sinha added.
“The academic session is set to begin, and counselling is currently underway,” said Dr. Yaspaul Sharma, Executive Director of SMVDIME.
The college began functioning from the administrative block of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University at Kakryal in November last year and is expected to soon be fully equipped with all facilities.
Affiliated with SMVD University, the college’s teaching hospital is the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, where MBBS students will gain hands-on training across 26 specialties.
