JAMMU: Strengthening access to advanced paediatric heart care in Jammu and Kashmir, SMVD Narayana Superspeciality Hospital organised a specialised Free Paediatric Cardiology Camp today at its Multispeciality Clinic in Gandhi Nagar, Jammu.
The initiative aims to provide early diagnosis and timely treatment to children suffering from cardiac ailments, particularly those from remote and underserved regions.
The camp was led by Dr. Sushant Kumar Sharma, Senior Consultant, Cardiology, and served as a crucial screening platform for families travelling from far-flung areas including Billawar, Bani, Basohli, Kathua and Samba. To date, the initiative has benefited nearly 20 children, with six new cases of Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) identified during today’s camp alone.
All identified children will be referred for advanced treatment at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Katra, where their procedures will be covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, ensuring access to quality care without financial burden.
Highlighting the hospital’s comprehensive cardiac capabilities, Dr. M.M. Mathavan, Facility Director, SMVD Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, said the initiative reflects the shared vision of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Narayana Health, with a strong emphasis on preventive healthcare.
He stated that early detection remains the most effective approach to treatment and noted that the hospital is among the few centres in the region offering complete cardiac care under one roof, including advanced cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology services available round the clock. He added that this level of care is made possible through a unique model where financial surpluses are reinvested into technology upgrades and service expansion for community benefit.
Emphasising institutional commitment to clinical excellence and outreach, Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director, SMVD Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), said the mission is to translate medical expertise into meaningful community impact.
He noted that identifying children at an early stage is crucial in delivering high-quality care to underserved populations and described the camp as a strong step towards bridging the gap between rural healthcare needs and superspeciality medical services in Jammu and Kashmir.
The camp, held between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, further underlined the role of the Gandhi Nagar clinic as a vital access point for patients in Jammu. By offering city-level screening and comprehensive surgical care at the Katra facility, SMVD Narayana Superspeciality Hospital continues to redefine paediatric cardiac care accessibility across the Union Territory.
