KATRA: The SMVD Charitable Society under the aegis of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and Narayana Vaishno Devi Specialty Hospitals Private Limited (NVD), a subsidiary of Narayana Health Care, Bangalore today signed an extension of their Concession Agreement for an additional eight years upto 2033, for the operation of the Super Specialty Hospital at Kakryal-Katra.

The concession agreement was signed by Alok Kumar Maurya, Addl. Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB and Sunil Kumar, CN; Sr. VP and Head Business Transformations and Key initiatives, Narayana Health Care in the presence of Dr. Ashok Bhan and Suresh Kumar Sharma, Members of Shrine Board; Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Mahesh Sharma, FA/ Chief Accounts Officer, SMVDSB; Dr. Yash Pal Sharma, Executive Director, SMVDIME; Sandhya J, Group Chief Financial Officer; Dr. M.M. Mathavan, Facility Director and Rohit Sethi, Sr. Manager – Finance of NVD and other officers of Board and NVD.

The decision to extend the collaboration was taken after a thorough review of the hospital's performance and the quality of healthcare services being provided to the patients by the Board at its 73rd meeting held on 18.12.2024 under the Chairmanship of Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lt. Governor, JK-UT. The Shrine Board and NH Care have been working together since 2016 to provide world-class healthcare services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the pilgrims visiting the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.

The Super Specialty Hospital inaugurated by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and operational since April 2016 has been offering specialized medical services across over 20 specialties. Key focus areas include Cardiology, Cardio-Vascular Surgery, Medical and Surgical Gastroenterology, Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, Renal Sciences, Medical, Radiation and Surgical Oncology (Cancer) besides Critical Care Medicine. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, the hospital boasts a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors and paramedical staff ensuring top-notch patient care. 

Annually, the hospital provides in-patient treatment to around 50,000 patients and out-patient consultations to nearly 60,000. Since its inception, the hospital has also provided free treatment worth over Rs.50 crore to more than one lakh needy patients, as part of the Shrine Board's medical support policy. The hospital has also been providing training and capacity-building programs for the medical and paramedical staff in the region.

Noteworthy that SMVDIME -Medical College, established at a cost of Rs. 350 crore, commenced its operations in November 2024, expanding the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital's operational base. The college will be offering an MBBS program, starting with its first batch of 50 students in the 2025-26 academic session (upgradable to 100 seats). Notably, the hospital has  120 senior consultants and doctors serving in various superspeciality disciplines and additionally, the Board's Medical College has appointed 49 faculty members and 18 Sr. Residents, thus augmenting the numbers significantly.

With the signing of the renewed Agreement, Narayana Health (NH) will continue to provide comprehensive support in critical aspects including procurements, ensuring adherence to quality control standards as mandated by the National Medical Commission (NMC), facilitation in accreditation processes, implement and manage advanced IT systems, staffing and recruitment, besides providing expertise in budgeting and audits, thereby ensuring the hospital's operations remain streamlined, efficient and compliant with regulatory requirements.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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