Srinagar, Apr 3: In a concerted push to expand academic opportunities and ease access to tertiary healthcare for Ladakh residents, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon on Thursday pressed for reserved seats in civil services coaching programmes and a more efficient patient management system during separate meetings with top functionaries of the University of Kashmir and Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).
Meeting Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Dr. Akhoon underscored the need to institutionalise dedicated seats for students from Kargil and Leh in the University’s upcoming free civil services coaching programme. He pointed to the programme’s early outcomes—where 11 candidates from its first batch cleared examinations—as evidence of its potential to serve as a gateway for aspirants from remote regions.
Describing the University as a primary destination for postgraduate education for Ladakh students after the University of Ladakh, the CEC acknowledged its continued support in facilitating admissions from the region. He emphasised that structured inclusion in such competitive coaching initiatives would help bridge regional disparities and enable broader participation of Ladakh’s youth in national-level examinations.
Dr. Akhoon also placed on record his appreciation for the recent selection of Assistant Professors from Leh and Kargil at the University, observing that such representation would strengthen academic linkages between the institutions and the region.
In his meeting with Prof. Mohd Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS, the CEC focused on persistent challenges faced by patients travelling from Kargil to access specialised medical care. While welcoming the appointment of a dedicated nodal officer to coordinate patient referrals—a step he said had improved facilitation—Dr. Akhoon flagged delays arising from long waiting periods at the institute.
He proposed the introduction of an online pre-registration system to allow patients to secure appointments in advance, arguing that such a mechanism would reduce uncertainty and ensure timely treatment for those undertaking long and difficult journeys.
The CEC further urged the institute to organise a super speciality medical camp in Kargil, enabling residents across the district to access advanced healthcare services locally and reducing dependence on travel to Kashmir for specialised consultations.
Responding to the concerns, Prof. Ganie assured that the issues raised would be taken up on priority and reiterated the institute’s commitment to extending necessary support, including the proposed outreach initiatives in Kargil.
