Jammu| Sept, 8: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health & Family Welfare Minister J P Nada for increasing 50 seats for MBBS under NEET to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME). The Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Monday approved 50 more MBBS seats under NEET UG Examination to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME).
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinhaexpressed appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister J P Nadda. This new medical college, established by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), began operations in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district last year and is set to commence its first MBBS academic session in 2025-26. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that this initiative aligns with the SMVDSB’s commitment to providing world-class medical education in Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to enhance healthcare access and cultivate skilled medical professionals in underserved regions. During the SMVDSB’s 71st meeting on August 19, 2023, the board approved the establishment of the 50-seat medical college at Kakryal, with plans for future expansion to 100 seats. Sinha highlighted the importance of increasing MBBS seats in the Union Territory to facilitate more aspiring medical students and strengthen the healthcare system. The Executive Director of SMVDIME, Dr. Yaspaul Sharma, noted that the academic session is approaching as counselling is currently underway. The medical college operates within the administrative block of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and is affiliated with it, with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana super specialty Hospital serving as the teaching hospital. MBBS students will benefit from hands-on training across approximately 26 specialties available at the hospital. The completion of the medical college with all necessary facilities is anticipated soon.
