The issue of the MBBS course at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) is set to resurface in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly during the upcoming budget session. Senior National Conference MLA and the party’s chief spokesperson, Tanveer Sadiq, will introduce a private member’s motion in the Assembly regarding this matter.
This motion will pressure the Central Government and the National Medical Commission (NMC) to review the decision that revoked the Letter of Permission (LoP) granted to the medical college. The budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly begins on February 2.
Challenging the NMC’s decision
The National Medical Commission had revoked the permission for the MBBS course at SMVD Medical College, citing a shortage of faculty, lack of clinical facilities, and infrastructure deficiencies. The NMC stated that granting the college permission to offer medical education under the current circumstances was inconsistent with the regulations.
The private member’s resolution argues that the institute was not given sufficient time and opportunity to address the deficiencies. The resolution demands that the decision be reconsidered and the MBBS curriculum reinstated through an impartial, transparent, and practical review.
Controversy Over Admissions
SMVD Medical College also became embroiled in controversy when 42 of the 50 MBBS seats were filled by Muslim students. This issue sparked intense protests in Jammu province.
Protesting organizations and individuals argued that the institute is associated with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, a major Hindu religious site, and was established by the Sanatani Sanstha Board. Concerns were raised about the nature of admissions, which were seen as a threat to social balance.
Against this backdrop, the cancellation of MBBS program permission became a topic of debate, not just academic, but also political and social debate.
Public Interest and Healthcare Issues
The private resolution emphasizes that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence was established to meet the health and medical needs of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The reinstatement of the MBBS curriculum will not only promote medical education in the region but also provide better healthcare facilities to patients.
The resolution also urges the Central Government to take all necessary steps to address the deficiencies through the Institute’s administrative committee and provide the college with a reasonable opportunity to comply with regulations.
