KARGIL: In a proud moment not only for the district but for the entire Union Territory of Ladakh, Kargil got Modern 3 Tesla MRI facility at District Hospital Kargil on Wednesday.
The facility ensures that people living in remote, hilly and border areas will no longer be deprived of world-class diagnostic services despite challenging geographical and climatic conditions.
The facility was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta in the presence of CEC LAHDC Dr. Jaffer Akhoon; Member of Parliament Mohd Hanifa Jan; Executive Councillors from LAHDC Kargil; and special guests, including Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Principal Secretary Shri Sanjeev Khirwar, Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, SSP Nitin Yadav, Director Health Services Dr. Tashi Thinles, Chairman Haj Committee Ali Majaz, senior officers, religious heads, district officials, medical staff, and students.
The installation of advanced diagnostic technology reflects the government’s commitment to equitable and quality healthcare and marks a major step toward strengthening the public health system in Ladakh.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Akhoon congratulated Kargil’s people on the installation of state-of-the-art medical equipment at the District Hospital, calling it a major milestone in regional healthcare that will provide advanced diagnostics locally. He thanked the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh and Chief Secretary for attending, and recalled former LG Dr. Brig. B.D. Mishra’s key role in developing modern facilities at the hospital. With the new 3 Tesla MRI, Kargil residents will now access world-class services free at their doorstep—especially benefiting marginalized communities who previously traveled long distances. Highlighting developments under his chairmanship, Dr. Akhoon noted key CSR procurements, including a ₹9-crore CT scan for CHC Sankoo via Power Grid. He urged Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar to address shortages of super specialists (cardiologists, urologists, nephrologists), provide short-term ultrasound training for local MBBS doctors in J&K hospitals, and offer first-aid emergency services for Kargil residents in Jammu. He also appealed to the LG for support to upgrade AMT School into a Nursing College.
Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, in his address, said that the inauguration of the 3 Tesla MRI facility in District Hospital marks a significant milestone for Kargil. He emphasized that advanced medical infrastructure ensures timely, accurate diagnosis, reduces patient burden, and reflects the UT administration’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare in remote, challenging areas.
Earlier, Dr. Mohammad Abbas, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Kargil, delivered the welcome address, terming the 3 Tesla MRI a giant leap for local diagnostics. He informed that the facility empowers economically weaker patients spared from costly external tests, reduces burdens, enhances outcomes, and thanks the Health Department and dignitaries for realizing this vision.
Highlighting Ladakh’s difficult terrain, harsh weather and long winters, Kavinder Gupta noted that these factors historically posed serious challenges to healthcare delivery.
However, he expressed satisfaction over the significant progress made in recent years, stating that geographical remoteness is no longer a barrier to quality medical services.
Referring to healthcare reforms under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor recalled India’s resilient response during the COVID-19 pandemic through rapid infrastructure expansion, modern technology and the dedicated efforts of healthcare workers. He said the same national vision is now reaching remote regions like Ladakh.
The Lt Governor emphasized that the 3 Tesla MRI facility will enable faster and more accurate diagnosis and play a crucial role in detecting complex and serious diseases. Until now, patients from Kargil had to travel to Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh or Delhi for advanced investigations, causing financial burden, time loss and mental stress. With this facility now available at the district level, patients and their families will receive major relief and renewed confidence in local healthcare services.
He also highlighted the continuous strengthening of healthcare infrastructure across the UT, including District Hospitals, Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, aimed at improving accessibility, preventive care and early diagnosis.
Providing details of ongoing projects, the Lt Governor said a proposal to increase District Hospital Kargil’s bed capacity from 100 to 200 beds has been submitted to the Government of India, with approval expected soon. Construction of a new hospital block to expand capacity to 300 beds at a cost of Rs 61 crore is underway. He added that Doctors’ Quarters, Staff Quarters and Class-IV employees’ quarters are nearing completion, along with an Administrative Block and a TB Hospital. The CHC Zanskar project, costing Rs 81 crore, is currently under tendering.
Shri Kavinder Gupta noted that Ladakh allocates nearly 8.76 percent of its total budget to the health sector, higher than the national average. He reiterated the administration’s focus on universal healthcare through Ayushman Bharat and initiatives to strengthen medical education, including the approval of a new Medical College.
Congratulating the Health Department and all stakeholders, the Lt Governor urged effective utilization of the MRI facility to benefit all sections of society, especially the poor and residents of remote areas. He expressed confidence that the facility would significantly enhance timely diagnosis and save valuable lives.
