High level BJP delegation meets Union Health Minister; raises concern over SMVD Hospital MBBS admission issue
New Delhi, Dec 02: A high-level delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party today called on Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare J P Nadda in New Delhi to discuss the growing concerns over the recent MBBS admissions at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Katra, an institution run by the Shri Mama Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
The delegation comprised Union MoS (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh, J&K BJP President & MP (Rajya Sabha) Sat Sharma, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, MPs Jugal Kishore Sharma and Ghulam Ali Khatana, and MLAs Dr. Devinder Manyal, Sham Lal Sharma and R. S. Pathania.
The leaders apprised the Union Minister of the widespread public concern and emotional disquiet over the composition of the first batch of MBBS admissions, which has led to deep unease among devotees, stakeholders and civil society groups associated with the Shrine and its institutions.
The delegation further informed that multiple social and religious organisations have initiated peaceful protests, seeking transparency and clarity in the admission process, and cautioned that if left unresolved, the issue could escalate into a wider public agitation, disturbing the otherwise peaceful atmosphere of the region.
While reiterating full faith in the constitutional, merit-based and legally mandated framework of medical admissions, the delegation identified three core issues that lie at the root of the current controversy - the chronology in which the Medical College was sanctioned, planned and pushed through various stages of approval has also come under scrutiny, enactment of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Act, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Act.
In this context, the delegation urged the Union Health Minister to appreciate the extraordinary sensitivity, emotional quotient and spiritual significance related to the Shrine and its institutions, and to intervene in a manner that balances constitutional values, legal compliance and public trust.
They appealed for a comprehensive review of the entire process, increased transparency and consideration of mechanisms that can restore confidence among devotees and stakeholders, while remaining fully aligned with national medical education norms.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda gave the delegation a patient and detailed hearing and assured them that the matter would be examined with due seriousness, sensitivity and in strict adherence to established norms and laws. He assured that all relevant aspects would be looked into and appropriate steps taken to address the concerns raised.
The Jammu and Kashmir BJP leaders expressed confidence that the Union Government will act in a timely, fair, balanced and lawful manner to arrive at an outcome that is both just and acceptable to the people.
