100 Lives, One Mission: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital celebrates a Unique Century of Joint Replacement Surgeries in Rajouri

RAJOURI: Rajouri celebrated a unique century on May 12, 2026 not on a cricket field, but in the lives of patients who had once accepted living with pain as their destiny. More than 100 beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme gathered with their doctor, local citizens, and senior joint replacement surgeon Dr. Vikas Padha from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital. The event marked the successful completion of over 100 Knee Replacement and Hip Replacement surgeries for patients from the remote tribal and border areas of Rajouri and Poonch.

Many of these patients had suffered for years from severe knee and hip pain. Even walking had become difficult, and surgeries costing lakhs of rupees were nothing more than a distant dream for them. The challenge was not just treatment, but access to treatment.

Nearly two years ago, Dr. Vikas Padha started monthly Outreach OPDs in Rajouri to reach patients living in remote areas who were unable to travel to the hospital in Katra. Through these outreach programs, patients were identified village by village, provided consultations, and guided regarding treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. What followed transformed many lives. Patients who once could not walk without support are now standing on their own feet and living normal lives again.

This initiative became possible due to the continuous support of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, under whose administration the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital operates. By prioritizing outreach healthcare and public welfare, the Shrine Board has played a significant role in delivering advanced healthcare services to remote and tribal regions.

This initiative reflects a new model of healthcare — where patients no longer have to reach hospitals; instead, the hospital reaches the patients’ doorstep. Through outreach programs, modern healthcare facilities, and affordable treatment services, the Shrine Board has helped bridge the gap between remote regions and world-class healthcare.

On this occasion, Dr. Vikas Padha thanked the patients and their families for their trust and said that the Ayushman Bharat Scheme made expensive surgeries accessible to poor and needy patients. He said: “This would not have been possible without the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. Costly procedures like Knee Replacement and Hip Replacement surgeries became accessible to those who needed them the most.”

Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), said: “This unique century is not just a medical achievement, but proof of how outreach healthcare can transform people’s lives. The Shrine Board’s goal has always been to ensure that quality healthcare services reach remote areas.”

At the ceremony held at New Ashirwad Hotel in Rajouri, beneficiaries shared their experiences. During the event, a short film titled “Broken Birds Take Flight Again – A Tale of Unique Century” was also premiered and widely appreciated by the audience. This achievement once again proves that compassionate doctors, outreach healthcare, and institutional support together can truly transform lives.