In a major setback for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), the National Medical Commission (NMC) has withdrawn the Letter of Permission (LoP) granted to the institute for starting the MBBS course with 50 seats for the academic session 2025–26 on on September 8, 2025. The decision comes after a surprise inspection exposed serious lapses in faculty strength, clinical material, infrastructure and patient load, officials confirmed.
According to online media reports, the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the NMC issued a formal order late on Monday evening, acting on the findings of the inspection conducted on January 2, 2026. The assessment report painted a grim picture of the proposed medical college, highlighting glaring violations of Minimum Standard Requirements prescribed under Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME) Regulations.
Students to Be Adjusted in Government Medical Colleges
Following the withdrawal of LoP, the NMC has directed that students already admitted to SMVDIME for the 2025–26 session will be accommodated as supernumerary seats in various Government Medical Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir. The adjustment will be carried out by the competent authority of the UT, ensuring that students’ academic careers are not disrupted.
Inspection Reveals Shocking Shortfalls
The MARB inspection report flagged a 39% shortage of teaching faculty and a massive 65% deficiency of tutors, demonstrators and senior residents. Clinical exposure was found to be far below norms, with the Outpatient Department (OPD) recording less than 50% patient attendance, while bed occupancy stood at just 45%, against the mandatory 80% requirement. Even ICU bed occupancy hovered around 50%, raising serious concerns about patient care and training quality.
Infrastructure and Library Facilities Found Inadequate
The report also exposed gross infrastructural deficiencies, noting the absence of student practical labs and research laboratories in several departments. Lecture theatres failed to meet minimum standards, while the library was poorly stocked, with only 50% of the required books available and just two journals against the mandated 15. Critical facilities like an ART centre, MDR-TB management unit, adequate operation theatres, and separate male and female wards were either missing or insufficient.
Guarantee to Be Invoked, Authorities Informed
After reviewing the findings, the NMC concluded that SMVDIME had failed to comply with mandatory norms, leading to the immediate withdrawal of the LoP with the approval of the Chairman, NMC. The Commission has also decided to invoke the performance bank guarantee furnished by the institution as part of the LoP conditions.
The order has been officially communicated to the Jammu and Kashmir Health Department, Director of Medical Education, SMVD University authorities, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for further action and compliance.
Interestingly, the move is expected to bring an end to the ongoing agitation by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, a collective of social organizations that had been protesting the admissions process at the institute. The controversy had intensified after nearly 90% non-Hindu students were admitted in the first MBBS batch, triggering allegations of misuse of shrine donations by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
In the wake of the latest development, sources said the Sangharsh Samiti has called an emergency meeting of its core group to decide its future course of action.
