 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 4: The Cancer Awareness Walkathon 2026 was flagged off today at 7:30 AM from the SMVD Narayana Multispeciality Clinic, Gandhi Nagar, by Chief Guest Shri Vikram Randhawa, Hon'ble MLA, Bahu Constituency alongside Guest of Honour Dr. Rakesh Minhas, IAS (Deputy Commissioner, Jammu). Hundreds of participants, including cancer survivors, medical professionals, and local citizens, marched together to Green Belt Park to champion the message that cancer is preventable and curable through early screening. This initiative is a direct realization of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board's vision to provide world-class healthcare locally, ensuring residents no longer need to seek treatment outside the region.
Facility Director, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Dr. M.M. Mathavan emphasized that the hospital provides comprehensive cancer care under one roof and has achieved a net mortality rate of just 1.6%, a figure superior to international standards.
Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director, SMVDIME, stated that the hospital is a true boon for the people of J&K, who now place their full trust in this institution-the best in the region by far, with all necessary international accreditations.
Under the able commitment of the CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the hospital has attained clinical milestones that rival global standards. Chief Guest Shri Vikram Randhawa lauded the hospital as the premier healthcare facility, noting that through Ayushman Bharat, hundreds are receiving free treatment and everyone can now afford the best clinical services without financial burden. He also shared his personal experience as a patient at the Gandhi Nagar clinic, remarking that they treat everyone like a VIP.
To further this mission of accessible care, the hospital announced four major initiatives during the event: free cancer OPD registrations and consultations for new patients at both Katra Hospital and the Jammu Clinic, along with free video consultations for all Oncology OPDs, valid until February 28, 2026. Additionally, the hospital launched "Project Zero-Fear," an advanced cancer screening package priced at ?2,299, and announced that specialized Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) services will officially commence on the hospital's 10th anniversary, April 19, 2026. These steps reinforce the commitment of SMVD Narayana to early detection as the most effective cure. |
