Karnataka-50MBBSseats have recently been approved for the newly established Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Jammu and Kashmir. The institute, owned by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), started functioning in Reasi district last year and is now preparing to admit its first batch of medical students. Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister and Union Health and Family Welfare Minister. Mr Sinha shared a post on X, formerly Twitter, “Grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji and Hon’ble Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda Ji, for sanctioning 50 MBBS seats for the newly established Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME). This decision not only fulfils the vision of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to provide world-class medical education in Jammu and Kashmir but also advances our objectives of improving healthcare access and increasing the availability of highly skilled medical professionals in underserved areas. The Shrine Board, in its 71st meeting held on 19th August 2023, had granted in-principle approval for the establishment of a 50-seat medical college at Kakryal, with a long-term plan for expansion to a 100-seat institution. Sinha highlighted that the step would open new opportunities for students who want to pursue medicine within the Union Territory. He said the government has increased MBBS seats in recent years to make medical education more accessible and to strengthen the healthcare system. “Our aim is to help more MBBS aspirants study in the UT, and we have made significant strides in this area by increasing MBBS seats in the past few years. These achievements will ensure greater access to specialised care and build a stronger healthcare system,” Sinha said, quotes India Today Students admitted to the MBBS programme will gain hands-on training across nearly 26 specialities at the hospital. The institute is expected to be completed with full facilities in the coming years, boosting medical education and healthcare infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. Also Read: ED attaches properties worth Rs 85 lakh in Karnataka's medical college stipend scam