Kargil, Apr 14: In a measured push to assess grassroots healthcare delivery in Ladakh, Dr. Laltinkhuma Franklin on Tuesday conducted an extensive review of medical facilities at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Sankoo, Kargil district.
“Strengthening grassroots healthcare delivery remains central to our efforts in Ladakh,” Dr Franklin said during the visit, underlining the administration’s focus on improving access to quality care in remote regions.
The Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education, carried out a detailed inspection of the facility, accompanied by Dr. Mohammad Abass Akhoon and Dr. Zahida Khatun, along with a team of consultants and medical officers.
Officials said the visit was aimed at assessing both infrastructure preparedness and the delivery of essential medical services at one of Kargil’s key healthcare institutions serving a predominantly rural population. Dr Franklin inspected several sections of the hospital, including the General Ward, Emergency Unit, Minor Operation Theatre, Operation Theatre, Eye Outpatient Department, and other OPD units.
During the interaction, Dr Zahida Khatun briefed the visiting delegation on the centre’s operational capacity, stating that CHC Sankoo is equipped with modern medical equipment and has adequate infrastructure to meet patient needs. She outlined the range of services currently being provided, while also highlighting challenges posed by geography and patient inflow.
Sources indicated that the review extended beyond the physical inspection, with detailed discussions on logistical requirements and systemic gaps. In a closed-door meeting with district health officials, Dr Franklin sought inputs on resource constraints and areas requiring administrative intervention.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment, Dr Franklin emphasised the importance of sustained investment in primary healthcare systems. He noted that improving service delivery in peripheral areas is critical to ensuring equitable healthcare access across Ladakh.
The Sankoo visit forms part of a broader series of field assessments being undertaken to monitor healthcare institutions across the Union Territory. With difficult terrain and scattered habitations continuing to challenge service delivery, officials view such reviews as essential to aligning policy intent with ground realities.
