JAMMU: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital (SMVDNSH), Kakryal, has achieved a major milestone in advanced cardiac care by completing 50 open heart surgeries during the current year, taking the total number of such procedures performed at the hospital to over 250 since the establishment of its Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) department.
The achievement reinforces SMVDNSH’s position as the only private tertiary care hospital in Jammu and Kashmir providing comprehensive cardiac care under one roof, integrating cardiology, interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery with round-the-clock emergency and critical care support. This integrated model has significantly reduced the need for patients to travel outside the region for life-saving heart treatment.
The CTVS department has successfully conducted complex and high-risk cardiac surgeries across all age groups, ranging from infants as young as seven months to elderly patients up to 86 years, reflecting advanced surgical expertise backed by robust infrastructure and multidisciplinary coordination.
The department is led by Dr Vinod Bhan and Dr Romil Dutt Sharma, Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgeons, and supported by a specialised team of cardiac anaesthesia, critical care, perfusionists and trained nursing staff. Officials said 24×7 preparedness and intensive post-operative care have been key to the programme’s success.
SMVDNSH offers a fully integrated cardiac ecosystem, including dedicated cardiac operation theatres, a specialised cardiac intensive care unit, advanced cath lab facilities and a continuous emergency response system. Close coordination between cardiologists and cardiac surgeons enables swift clinical decision-making, particularly in emergency and complex cases.
The hospital’s growth has been strongly supported by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, whose sustained vision and commitment have helped establish world-class cardiac services within Jammu and Kashmir, easing the burden on patients who earlier had to seek treatment outside the Union Territory.
To enhance accessibility, SMVDNSH also provides cashless cardiac surgeries under Ayushman Bharat and ECHS schemes, ensuring affordability for eligible patients.
Dr M. Muthu Mathavan, Facility Director, SMVDNSH, said the milestone reflects patient trust and clinical discipline.
“Being the only private tertiary centre offering complete cardiac care under one roof in the region is both a distinction and a responsibility,” he said.
Dr Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), said crossing 250 open heart surgeries highlights clinical excellence, teamwork and growing patient confidence.
With expanding capabilities and increasing referrals, SMVDNSH continues to set new benchmarks in tertiary cardiac care, strengthening the healthcare landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
