KATRA: In a landmark achievement coinciding with International Maxillofacial Surgery Day, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital has set a regional record by performing over 1,000 major maxillofacial surgeries, the highest number by any single doctor or center in the Jammu region.
The milestone was marked by a life-changing success story of a 12-year-old girl from a rural village in Ramnagar, Udhampur, who had been suffering from TMJ Ankylosis (Jaw Joint Fusion)—a severe condition resulting from childhood trauma that had completely restricted her ability to open her mouth, affecting her speech and nutrition.
The complex procedure was successfully carried out by Dr. Arjun Malhotra, Consultant and Head of the Department of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery. Following the surgery to release the fused joint, the young patient was discharged with a mouth opening of 37 mm, restoring her ability to eat, speak, and smile normally.
This milestone highlights the transformative healthcare initiatives of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, which established the superspeciality hospital in Kakryal to bridge critical gaps in tertiary healthcare. The hospital has enabled patients from remote districts such as Udhampur, Reasi, and Doda to access advanced surgical care locally—reducing the need to travel to metropolitan cities.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director of SMVD Institute of Medical Excellence, stated that the achievement represents more than numbers. He emphasized that the Shrine Board’s mission is to ensure quality healthcare reaches even the most remote and financially vulnerable sections of society.
Facility Director Dr. M.M. Mathavan congratulated Dr. Malhotra for his decade-long contribution, noting that under his leadership, the department has handled a high volume of complex cases, including facial trauma reconstruction, head and neck oncology, cleft lip and palate correction, cosmetic facial surgeries, and corrective jaw procedures.
Dr. Malhotra added that the department is fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology to manage the entire spectrum of facial surgeries. He described the successful outcome of the young patient as a testament to the hospital’s commitment to delivering international standards of care within Jammu and Kashmir.
With this achievement, SMVD Narayana Hospital has further strengthened its position as a leading center for facial reconstruction and advanced surgical care in the region.
