Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence

17/03/2026

A Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Aid training workshop was successfully conducted today at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Kakryal, under the distinguished mentorship and administrative leadership of Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director, SMVDIME. His sustained commitment to strengthening clinical preparedness and emergency response capabilities has been instrumental in organizing such impactful capacity-building initiatives.

The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from 28 healthcare professionals, including 23 paramedical staff members from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital and 5 doctors from the Border Security Force (BSF).

The academic session on Basic Life Support and First Aid was delivered by Dr. Sonia Dogra, Consultant in Emergency Medicine. The session comprehensively covered the principles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), airway management, recognition of cardiac arrest, and the initial management of common medical emergencies, with a strong emphasis on adherence to current international guidelines.

This was followed by an intensive hands-on training session conducted in the Skill and Simulation Laboratory of SMVDIME. The practical training was facilitated by a team of experienced faculty members, including Dr. Anuj Kapoor, Dr. Jaspinder Pratap Singh, Dr. Mohita Singh, and Dr. Vikram Sharma. Participants were trained using high-fidelity mannequins and simulation-based scenarios, enabling them to practice effective chest compressions, ventilation techniques, and coordinated team-based resuscitation.

The workshop concluded with interactive discussions and skill assessments, ensuring that participants gained both sound theoretical knowledge and practical competence.

17/03/2026

A Mega Multi-Specialty Health Camp was successfully organized by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) on 14th March 2026 at Government Higher Secondary School, Thial, Udhampur, with the objective of providing accessible, affordable, and specialized healthcare services to the residents of Thial and adjoining rural areas. The camp was organized in collaboration with Shri Durga Dass Sharma Memorial Society, Thial (Udhampur) and witnessed an overwhelming response from the local community.

The health camp was inaugurated by the Hon’ble MLA Udhampur, R. S. Pathania, who appreciated the initiative and lauded the efforts of the organizing teams in bringing specialized healthcare services directly to the doorstep of rural populations. During the inauguration, he emphasized the importance of such outreach programmes in strengthening preventive healthcare, promoting early diagnosis of diseases, and improving health awareness among the community. He also interacted with the beneficiaries and medical team, acknowledging their valuable contribution towards community welfare.

The camp saw remarkable participation from the public, with a total of 707 patients receiving medical consultation and screening across multiple specialties. Expert consultations were provided by a dedicated team of specialist doctors from various disciplines. Among the specialties, Orthopaedics witnessed 152 patients examined by Dr. Vikas Padha, out of which 15 patients required referral for further management. In General Medicine, Dr. Ashwani Kumar examined 116 patients and referred 5 patients for advanced evaluation. A large number of patients availed services in Ophthalmology, where Dr. Malvika Sharma screened 233 patients and identified 74 patients requiring specialized treatment and referral.

In the field of Gynaecology, Dr. Anu Bala Chandel examined 30 women and referred 2 patients for further care. General Surgery consultations were provided by Dr. Sonakshi Jamwal, who examined 20 patients and referred 6 cases for further evaluation. Dental services were provided by Dr. Jasleen, who screened 20 patients, with 14 cases requiring referral for specialized dental care. Pulmonology services were offered by Dr. Tamishi Sharma, who examined 17 patients and referred 2 cases. In ENT, Dr. Rimjim examined 36 patients with 3 referrals for advanced management. Pediatric consultations were provided by Dr. Sanjeet, who examined 30 children and referred 3 cases for further evaluation. Dermatology services were delivered by Dr. Jimmy, who screened 40 patients and referred 2 patients. Additionally, Cardiology consultations were conducted by Dr. Sushant, who examined 13 patients and referred 2 cases for specialized cardiac evaluation.

To complement clinical consultations and ensure comprehensive assessment, several diagnostic services were also provided on-site during the camp. A total of 62 X-ray investigations, 91 laboratory tests, and 3 mammography screenings were conducted, which significantly contributed to the early detection and diagnosis of various health conditions among the attendees.

The health camp served as an important platform for early identification of patients requiring specialized medical attention, enabling timely referrals for further evaluation and treatment at the hospital. The initiative also helped raise awareness among the local population regarding preventive healthcare, regular medical check-ups, and early screening for various diseases.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the local community, volunteers, healthcare professionals, and members of the organizing society, whose collective efforts ensured the smooth and successful conduct of the camp. Such community outreach initiatives continue to play a vital role in bridging the healthcare access gap in rural and remote regions.

The organizers expressed their sincere gratitude to the medical team, supporting staff, volunteers, and the local community, as well as Shri Durga Dass Sharma Memorial Society and Hon’ble MLA R. S. Pathania, for their valuable support and cooperation in making the health camp a grand success. The success of this initiative reaffirms the ongoing commitment towards strengthening community health services and ensuring that quality healthcare reaches every section of society.

16/03/2026

16/03/2026

School Students and Local Residents Participate in BLS & First Aid training, Anaemia Screening and Multi-Super Speciality Camp at Thial

Kakryal, March 14, 2026:
A Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Aid Training , along with Anaemia Screening and a Multi-Super Speciality Medical Camp, was successfully organized at Thial village, District Udhampur. The programme was conducted by BLS instructors and super-specialist doctors from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) and its associated hospital with the objective of equipping participants with essential life-saving skills, conducting haemoglobin screening for anaemia, and providing specialist medical consultation to the local population.

The programme commenced with an inaugural session in which Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director, SMVDIME, highlighted the critical importance of first aid and life-saving skills not only in clinical settings but also in day-to-day life, where timely intervention can save precious lives. The event was also graced by the presence of the local MLA, ADC, and Sarpanch.

During the workshop, participants received hands-on training in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), airway management, trauma response, and effective team coordination during medical emergencies.

The training sessions were conducted by BLS instructors Dr. Anuj Kapoor, Dr. Jaspinder Partap Singh, and Dr. Vikram Sharma, with valuable support from Mr. Jatin, Skill Lab Assistant. A total of around 300 participants, including school students and members of the local community, successfully completed the training programme.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants shared encouraging feedback, appreciating the practical and interactive nature of the training, which helped build confidence in handling medical emergencies and fostered strong engagement between the trainers and participants

16/03/2026

27th Mega Health Mela at Thiyal, Udhampur: More than 1000 patients benefit from expert treatment

Thiyal, Udhampur: With an aim to address the shortage of health services in rural areas, the Shri Durga Das Sharma Memorial Society (Reg.) organized the 27th Mega Health Mela in Thiyal on Saturday, in which more than 1000 local people availed the benefit of free medical services.

The Health Mela was organized in collaboration with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital. On this occasion, the premises of Government Higher Secondary School and Sri Jagannath Swamy Temple were converted into a health care centre for a day.

The program started in a spiritual and positive atmosphere. Before the medical services began, the children of the local Gurukul performed yoga asanas and chanted Vedic mantras, which infused peace, energy and spirituality throughout the environment.

The event was inaugurated by Shri Ranbir Singh Pathania, MLA, Udhampur. He appreciated this initiative of providing specialist medical services to the rural areas and said that this is the second major health camp organized by the hospital in his constituency in his current tenure, which shows the commitment of the institute towards social service.

He said that providing quality tertiary health services directly to the rural masses is a very important and commendable task for the society. He also praised the service work being done by Shri Durga Das Sharma Memorial Society continuously for the last almost 30 years.

The camp was attended by a team of specialist doctors and health workers from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital. Free expert consultation, health check-up and essential medicines were provided to the people coming from far-flung areas on the spot.

Specialist doctors from various departments including cardiology, orthopaedics, gynaecology, pediatrics, lungology, general medicine, general surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, dentistry and ENT examined and consulted the patients in the health fair.

In addition, patients were also made aware about disease prevention, healthy lifestyle and long-term health management.

Taking forward the spirit of service and cooperation, a day-long langar seva was also organized at the Shree Jagannath Swamy Temple, providing food to patients, their families, doctors and volunteers.

The large number of local people participated in the demonstration of the need for accessible and quality healthcare services in rural areas. At the end of the program, the representatives of Shri Durga Das Sharma Memorial Society expressed their gratitude to the medical team of the hospital, volunteers of Narsingh Seva Kendra, children of Gurukul and residents of the area with whose support the program was successfully completed.

The locals also appreciated the efforts of the members of Shri Durga Das Sharma Memorial Society who have been continuously doing social service and public welfare work in the sacred memory of Late Shri Durga Das Sharma and Smt. Mansa Sharma.

12/03/2026

CME–cum–Workshop on Competency-Based Medical Education held at SMVDIME:

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Kakryal, organized a CME–cum–Workshop on Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) on 12th March, 2026 in the Academic Block of the institute. The programme was aimed at enhancing faculty understanding of the CBME framework and strengthening teaching–learning practices in undergraduate medical education.

The academic sessions commenced with Dr. Sabita Yograj, Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, SMVDIME, who delivered an insightful lecture titled “An Insight into CBME (Competency-Based Medical Education Curriculum)”. She elaborated on the key components and objectives of the CBME curriculum and its role in shaping competent Indian Medical Graduates.

This was followed by a session by Dr. Venkat Ram Prasad, Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, who holds MD, DNB, MHA, and ACME qualifications. In his lecture titled “Alignment and Integration in CBME – A Revisit,” he highlighted the importance of horizontal and vertical integration and emphasized the need for effective alignment of competencies across disciplines in medical education.

The event also featured a special address by Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director, SMVDIME, who has a distinguished career spanning more than three decades. He reiterated the institute’s commitment to bringing state-of-the-art medical education and training to Kakryal, thereby contributing significantly to the advancement of healthcare in Jammu & Kashmir. The address was followed by the felicitation of guest faculty and distribution of credit-hour certificates to participating faculty members.

The post-lunch session featured Dr. Vishal Tandon, Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Jammu, who delivered a lecture on “Teaching–Learning Methods.” Dr. Tandon also serves as Chairman of the Academic and Disciplinary Committees of the J&K State Medical Council and heads the ADR Monitoring Centre and Materiovigilance Monitoring Centre at GMC Jammu under IPC–PvPI. His session focused on innovative pedagogical approaches and effective strategies to enhance student engagement in medical teaching.

The final session was delivered by Dr. Dimple Raina, Professor and Head, Department of Microbiology, SMVDIME, on “An Overview of AETCOM (Attitude, Ethics and Communication)”. She emphasized the importance of professionalism, ethical conduct, and effective communication skills in medical training and clinical practice.

The successful conduct of the workshop was made possible under the strategic guidance of Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Dean (Academics, Research and Examination) and Professor and Head, Department of Pathology, whose leadership continues to foster a culture of academic excellence and continuous learning, and Dr. Ajay Kumar, Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacology, whose role as Medical Council Observer ensured alignment of the programme with national medical education standards.

The programme concluded with an interactive exchange of ideas between the speakers and participants, fostering meaningful academic dialogue on the effective implementation of CBME. The CME served as a valuable platform for faculty development and knowledge sharing, reflecting SMVDIME’s continued commitment to strengthening innovative and competency-driven medical education.

11/03/2026

SMVD College of Nursing holds 45th Governing Body Meeting

Katra, March 11: The 45th meeting of the Governing Body (GB) of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi College of Nursing (SMVDCoN) was held today at its campus at Kakryal under the Chairmanship of Shri Suresh Kumar Sharma (Retired Judge) Member, SMVDSB.
The meeting was attended by Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Shri Alok Kumar Maurya, Addl. Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Administrator, SMVDCoN; Dr. Sharda M. Potukuchi, Professor, Faculty of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University; and Dr. Shailla Cannie, Principal, SMVDCoN.
During the meeting, the Governing Body reviewed the progress on decisions taken in its earlier meetings and held comprehensive deliberations on several forward-looking proposals aimed at further strengthening academic standards and institutional development of the College.
The Governing Body also approved the celebration of a Decade of Excellence, marking the completion of 10 years of the College’s establishment and its significant contribution to healthcare education. It was decided that the celebrations will be organized throughout the year and will include a grand inaugural event, academic programmes, community engagement initiatives, National Service Scheme (NSS) and outreach activities. The year-long celebrations will culminate in a grand finale event.
The Governing Body further approved the organization of the 4th Nursing Fest “TARANG-2026”, which will feature a range of scholastic and co-scholastic activities aimed at encouraging academic excellence, creativity and holistic development among students.
While appreciating the initiative taken by the College to apply for Autonomous Status on the UGC portal, as the institution approaches the completion of its 10 years of existence, the Members also taken several faculty and student centric decisions during the meeting to promote skill development, academic excellence and the overall growth of both faculty and students.
The Governing Body also acknowledged the initiatives taken by the College to establish Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence to create better learning platforms and collaborative opportunities for students and faculty. In addition, the engagement with local Gram Panchayats for outreach and extension activities was also appreciated.
While emphasizing the importance of community engagement, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB advised further strengthening activities aimed at greater societal contribution and expanding the outreach initiatives of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi College of Nursing.
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09/03/2026

A Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Camp along with a Health Awareness Talk was successfully conducted by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) on 9th March 2026 at the BSF Campus, Paloura, Jammu, as part of the International Women’s Day initiative aimed at promoting women’s health awareness and encouraging early detection of cancer among women.

The camp was organized following a request from 101 Battalion BSF, Paloura Camp, specifically for the wives of BSF personnel, with the objective of promoting preventive healthcare practices and motivating women to undergo regular screening for breast and cervical cancer.

The screening and consultations were conducted by Dr. Suksham Sharma (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology), who provided expert guidance and medical evaluation to the participants. A total of 37 women availed the screening services during the camp.

Screening Details:

• Mammography: 17 tests conducted
• Pap Smear: 17 tests conducted
In addition to the screening services, a Health Awareness Talk on Breast and Cervical Cancer was delivered during the programme. The session focused on educating women about risk factors, early warning signs, preventive strategies, and the crucial role of regular screening in the early detection and effective management of cancer.

The awareness session witnessed the participation of around 60 women, who actively attended the programme and engaged in interactive discussions, seeking guidance on various aspects of women’s health and cancer prevention.

The initiative significantly contributed to increasing awareness among women regarding the importance of early diagnosis, timely medical consultation, and maintaining regular health check-ups as key measures for safeguarding their health.

Such outreach programmes reflect the hospital’s continued commitment towards promoting women’s health, preventive healthcare, and community engagement, especially among families of the armed forces serving the nation.

09/03/2026

A Women’s Health Check-up Camp was successfully organized by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) on 6th March 2026 at Ratnochak, Jammu, in connection with International Women’s Day. The camp was conducted in association with Indian Army units 6 Guards and Sabre Brigade, with the primary objective of promoting women’s health awareness, preventive screening, and early detection of diseases.

The initiative was aimed at encouraging women to prioritize their health through regular medical check-ups and timely screening. The camp mainly catered to female Army officers, officers’ spouses, and children residing in the Ratnochak cantonment area, providing them convenient access to specialized medical consultation and diagnostic services.

A total of 495 patients were screened during the health camp, demonstrating an enthusiastic response from the cantonment community. Out of these, 15 patients were referred to the hospital for further evaluation and specialized management, ensuring continuity of care for conditions requiring advanced investigation or treatment.

Specialty-wise Patient Consultation

The camp brought together a team of experienced medical professionals who provided consultation across multiple specialties:

• Dr. Malvika Sharma (Ophthalmology): 240 patients
• Dr. Geetu Mahajan (Obstetrics & Gynaecology): 50 patients
• Dr. Ankita Sharma (General Medicine): 140 patients
• Dr. Neha Rajput (Paediatrics & Neonatology): 65 patients
Screening and Diagnostic Services

As part of the comprehensive women’s health screening program, several diagnostic services were offered to facilitate early detection of diseases:

• Mammography: 08 tests conducted for breast health screening
• Pap Smear: 08 tests for early detection of cervical abnormalities
• X-Ray: 07 investigations performed
• Laboratory Tests: 14 diagnostic tests conducted
Cancer Awareness Session

An important highlight of the camp was an awareness talk on cancer prevention delivered by Dr. Rajpal Singh. The session focused on educating participants about the importance of early detection and regular screening for breast and cervical cancer, two of the most common cancers affecting women. Lifestyle modifications, warning signs of cancer, and preventive strategies that can significantly improve long-term health outcomes were also discussed.

The camp witnessed active participation and appreciation from the cantonment community, reflecting growing awareness regarding preventive healthcare among women. By providing accessible medical consultations, diagnostic services, and health education, the initiative served as an important platform to highlight the importance of regular health screening and early diagnosis.

Such community outreach programs reaffirm the hospital’s commitment to women’s health empowerment, ensuring access to quality healthcare services, promoting disease prevention, and strengthening community awareness about critical health issues affecting women.

Through collaborative initiatives with the Indian Army, healthcare professionals continue to work toward building a healthier and more informed community, where women are encouraged to take proactive steps toward maintaining their health and well-being.

09/03/2026

07/03/2026

Under the visionary guidance of Executive Director Dr. Yash Pal Sharma, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) conducted a high-impact Continuing Medical Education (CME) session on 6th March, 2026.
The program featured two distinguished speakers from the Dental Department who addressed critical gaps in patient awareness and clinical practice.
CME Highlights
“Common Dental Myths & Misconceptions”:
Dr. Jasleen Kaur (Senior Resident)
Dr. Jasleen Kaur opened the session by dismantling the pervasive fallacies that often deter patients from seeking timely care. From the unfounded fears surrounding professional scaling to misconceptions about tooth extractions, her presentation provided a vital reality check, emphasizing that informed patients are the first line of defense in oral hygiene.
“Periodontitis: The Silent Epidemic”:
Dr. Sania (Associate Professor)
Shifting the focus to systemic health, Dr. Sania delivered a compelling lecture on the silent nature of periodontitis. She highlighted how this chronic inflammatory disease often progresses without pain while significantly increasing the risk for systemic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Her talk was a clarion call for early intervention and the integration of periodontal health into routine medical screenings.
Redefining Oral Healthcare Standards
The session served as a catalyst for interdisciplinary synergy, sparking a renewed commitment among attendees to view dental health not as an isolated specialty, but as a critical gateway to overall systemic wellness. By translating complex clinical data into actionable patient advocacy, SMVDIME continues to lead the charge in medical literacy and holistic patient care.
To mark the successful conclusion of the event and recognize the academic contributions made, CME certificates were formally distributed to the faculty, celebrating their dedication to medical excellence and continuous professional growth.

01/03/2026

A Multi-Specialty Health Camp was successfully organized by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) on 27th February 2026 at Dansal, in collaboration with the Health Department, Dansal. The camp aimed to provide comprehensive healthcare services to the local population and to promote early diagnosis and timely referral of patients requiring specialized medical care.
The health camp witnessed an enthusiastic response from the community, with a total of 375 patients availing themselves of various diagnostic and consultation services. Following clinical evaluation, 14 patients were identified as requiring further evaluation and advanced management and were appropriately referred to higher healthcare facilities.
Specialty-wise patient coverage during the camp was as follows:
• Dr. Suksham Sharma (Gynaecology) attended to 95 patients, addressing women’s health concerns and providing necessary guidance and referrals.
• Dr. Malvika Sharma (Ophthalmology) examined 150 patients, with a focus on vision screening and early detection of eye disorders.
• Dr. Neeraj Kaul (General Surgery) provided consultation to 130 patients, managing general surgical complaints and advising further treatment where required.
• Mammography was also conducted, with 06 patients undergoing screening for early detection of breast-related conditions.
The camp was marked by smooth coordination, efficient service delivery, and active community participation. The collaboration with the Health Department played a pivotal role in ensuring logistical support, community mobilization, and effective ex*****on of the programme.
Overall, the Multi-Specialty Health Camp significantly contributed to strengthening primary healthcare outreach, enhancing health awareness, and facilitating early diagnosis and timely referral, thereby reinforcing the commitment to accessible and quality healthcare for the population.