The National Medical Commission (NMC) has suddenly withdrawn the MBBS approval granted to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College four months ago, leaving students and staff in a state of crisis.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, located in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, is once again in the spotlight. The decision by the National Medical Commission (NMC) has caused deep concern not only for the college administration but also for the students and faculty. The medical college, which had received permission to run the MBBS course just a few months ago, has now had that permission suddenly revoked. This entire incident raises several questions.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence has been granted permission to conduct the MBBS course for the academic session 2025-26. This was the college's first batch, with a total of 50 students enrolled. The students had gained admission based on their NEET exam scores, and classes had already begun. The sudden decision to withdraw the permission has come as a major blow to the college.

Controversy Surrounding Admissions

Since the admissions, some organisations had started protesting. Of the 50 students in the first MBBS batch, 44 were from the Muslim community. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Struggle Committee) objected to this, arguing that since the college was built with donations from the Mata Vaishno Devi temple, students from Kashmir should not be admitted. Continuous protests were held based on this demand.

Sudden Inspection Raises Questions

On January 2nd, an NMC team conducted a surprise inspection of the college. The college administration claims that they were informed by phone only 15 minutes before the inspection. Winter holidays were in progress at the time, and many teachers were on leave. Despite this, the college provided full cooperation to the inspection team. Officials allege that the team's attitude was predetermined, and the inspection seemed like a mere formality.

NMC Cites Several Deficiencies

Following the inspection, the NMC withdrew the college's permission. The commission stated that the college lacked the infrastructure and staff according to the prescribed standards. The report stated that there is a shortage of approximately 39 percent in the number of teachers. The shortage of tutors and senior residents was reported to be 65 percent. Furthermore, the report indicated a low number of patients in the OPD, a bed occupancy rate of only 45 percent, and an unsatisfactory situation regarding ICU beds.

College Administration Denies Allegations

College officials and teachers have refuted the NMC report, claiming that it contains several inaccuracies. For example, the report stated that the library had only 75 books, while in reality, there are more than 2,700 books. The number of journals is also in the hundreds. Similarly, the report mentioned only two operation theaters, whereas the college has eight.

Dispute Over Patient Numbers

The college claims that more than 400 patients visited the OPD on the day of the inspection, but the report showed a significantly lower number. The bed occupancy rate and the number of deliveries were also misrepresented. College officials stated that the number of patients naturally decreases around the New Year, a fact that was overlooked in the report.

Teachers and Staff Express Disappointment

Many doctors and staff members at the college are deeply disappointed by this decision. They said that they had left better opportunities to help build this new institution. Now, with the sudden cancellation of the accreditation, their future is uncertain. Several teachers stated that their hard work and contributions have been completely disregarded in this decision.