Jammu, Jan 06: The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the National Medical Commission has withdrawn the Letter of Permission granted to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Kakryal in Reasi district, for running the MBBS course with 50 seats for the 2025–26 academic session.
Official sources said the order, issued on January 6, has taken immediate effect. The decision followed a surprise inspection that revealed serious violations of mandatory standards required for undergraduate medical education.
According to officials, the inspection team recorded multiple deficiencies at the institute and its attached teaching hospital, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Hospital. These included gaps in infrastructure, shortage of faculty, and failure to meet the required number of general hospital beds. The hospital reportedly did not have the minimum 250 general beds prescribed under NMC norms, as a large portion of available beds were categorised as superspeciality beds, which are not counted for MBBS training.
The inspection also found low patient attendance in essential clinical departments such as General Surgery, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, raising concerns over the quality of clinical exposure for students. In addition, ward layouts, bed spacing, and the predominance of private rooms were found to be at variance with prescribed norms.
Governance and operational shortcomings were also flagged. These included temporary hostel arrangements and other basic facility issues. The inspection team documented the findings through photographs and video recordings, with a detailed report submitted to the Commission.
In view of the withdrawal of permission, admissions for the MBBS programme at SMVDIME for the current academic year stand cancelled.
To safeguard the interests of students already admitted for the 2025–26 session, the National Medical Commission has authorised Jammu and Kashmir authorities to shift them to other government medical colleges within the Union Territory. These students will be accommodated against supernumerary seats, strictly in accordance with existing rules.
The development comes amid continuing scrutiny of the institute’s functioning. In November last year, the Commission had rejected SMVDIME’s proposal to place all 50 MBBS seats under the All India Quota, citing policy violations. Public protests and representations by civil groups had also raised questions over admissions and overall management.
Local residents and stakeholders in Reasi and adjoining areas have voiced concern over the possible impact on healthcare services, while calling for corrective steps to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Further developments, including any appeal or remedial action by the institute’s management, are awaited.
