JAMMU: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital (SMVDNSH), Katra, celebrated Cancer Survivors Day 2026 with an emotional and inspiring event at KC Residency, Jammu, honouring the courage, resilience and determination of cancer survivors.
Nearly 50 cancer survivors and their family members participated in the programme, sharing their journeys of recovery and celebrating life beyond cancer. The event highlighted the importance of hope, early diagnosis, quality treatment and continued support for cancer patients.
The programme was anchored by Dr. Deepika Gupta, Hemato-Oncologist, who welcomed the survivors, caregivers and guests. She emphasised the importance of standing by cancer patients throughout their treatment and recovery journey.
The event featured informative sessions by leading oncology experts from the hospital. Dr. Deepak Bharti, Medical Oncologist, spoke about life after cancer and the significance of regular follow-up care.
Dr. Abhinav Choudhary, Surgical Oncologist, highlighted healthy lifestyle practices for cancer survivors, while Dr. Rajeev Saini, Medical Oncologist, discussed the role of emotional well-being and family support in recovery.
Dr. Rajpal Singh, Radiation Oncologist, underlined the contribution of radiation therapy and long-term care in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Dr. Aditya Mahajan from the Department of Nuclear Medicine stressed the importance of early disease detection and personalised cancer care.
One of the most memorable moments of the event came when several cancer survivors shared their personal experiences of battling the disease. Their stories of perseverance, faith and determination moved the audience and received warm appreciation from fellow survivors, family members and healthcare professionals. Many survivors expressed gratitude towards the doctors and staff of SMVD Narayana Hospital for their compassionate care and unwavering support.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. M.M. Mathavan, Facility Director, SMVDNSH, shared the deeply personal experience of his father and brother’s battle against cancer. His emotional account highlighted the critical role of timely diagnosis, effective treatment and strong family support during the fight against the disease.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable cancer care. He stated that with the continued support of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, thousands of patients are receiving advanced cancer treatment and super-speciality healthcare services without financial burden.
Dr. Sharma further assured patients and their families that the hospital would continue providing treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme beyond July 1, 2026, ensuring uninterrupted access to quality healthcare for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and neighbouring regions.
He also acknowledged the visionary role of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in establishing and supporting the institution, which has emerged as a leading centre for advanced cancer care and super-speciality services in the region.
The event concluded with the felicitation of cancer survivors in recognition of their extraordinary courage and determination. A cake-cutting ceremony and fellowship lunch followed, providing an opportunity for survivors, families, doctors and hospital staff to celebrate together.
The celebration served as a powerful reminder that while cancer may change lives, it does not define them. The inspiring journeys of the survivors reinforced hope and reflected the hospital’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class cancer care closer to home.
