KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital (SMVDNSH) has reaffirmed its position as a major healthcare lifeline for Jammu & Kashmir, with Senior Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgeon Dr Vikas Padha achieving a significant milestone of 250 joint replacement surgeries in the calendar year 2025.
The achievement marks a major leap in advanced orthopaedic care within the Union Territory. In comparison, Dr Padha had performed 100 joint replacement surgeries in 2023. The rise to 250 arthroplasty procedures in 2025—comprising nearly 200 total knee replacements and around 50 hip replacements—represents a 150 per cent increase in patient volume, reflecting growing public confidence in local healthcare facilities.
Hospital officials said the surge highlights a shift away from medical migration, as patients who earlier travelled to metropolitan centres such as Delhi and Punjab are now opting for treatment closer to home. SMVD Narayana Hospital has emerged as a trusted destination for world-class orthopaedic care in Katra.
Dr Padha’s success has been attributed to his relentless dedication and the strong clinical ecosystem at SMVDNSH. Known for his patient-first approach, he often performs surgeries late into the night to reduce waiting times. On December 23, he successfully conducted nine complex joint replacement surgeries in a single day. These high-volume procedures are supported by a dedicated anaesthesia team, skilled nursing staff, and experienced technicians, along with advanced infrastructure including modular operation theatres, stringent infection control systems, and comprehensive ICU support.
The hospital, established by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, was envisioned as a world-class healthcare facility for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Officials said the institution has successfully created a sustainable healthcare model that ensures access to high-quality treatment while implementing government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY). Through these initiatives, cashless advanced medical services are being provided to residents across the UT, removing financial barriers to specialised care.
Dr M.M. Mathavan, Facility Director, SMVDNSH, described the milestone as a reflection of the hospital’s core mission to serve humanity. He said Dr Padha’s achievement is not merely a numerical landmark but a testament to the quality of care delivered at the hospital. He added that support from the Shrine Board has enabled the institution to offer world-class treatment cashless to the common man through government healthcare schemes.
Beyond surgical excellence, Dr Padha has also focused on outreach services to improve accessibility. He regularly conducts OPD services in Jammu city, Billawar, Kathua, and Rajouri, providing pre-operative consultations and post-surgery follow-up care closer to patients’ homes. This initiative has significantly benefited patients from remote districts including Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Ramban, Kathua, and Samba, reducing the need for elderly and recovering patients to travel long distances to Katra.
Hospital authorities said these outreach efforts have played a crucial role in ensuring continuity of care and enhancing patient recovery, reinforcing SMVDNSH’s commitment to accessible, patient-centric healthcare across Jammu & Kashmir.
