NEW DELHI/LEH: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, has urged Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda to expedite key healthcare projects in the Union Territory, including the establishment of Ladakh’s first Medical College, a proposed Nursing College in Leh, and consideration of an AIIMS campus.
During a meeting held in New Delhi on Friday, Gupta briefed the Union Minister on the progress made so far, noting that central funds have been released, land allotted, and formal proposals for both the Medical and Nursing Colleges submitted. He requested rapid clearance of the remaining administrative procedures to operationalise the institutions at the earliest.
The Lt Governor also emphasised the urgency of upgrading District Hospital Kargil from 100 to 200 beds. He informed the Minister that while construction of additional infrastructure is underway, approval for the creation of essential posts remains pending.
Gupta expressed gratitude for the Centre’s continued support and outlined additional requirements aimed at strengthening Ladakh’s healthcare ecosystem. He sought the establishment of a CGHS wellness centre in Leh, highlighting that thousands of central government employees and pensioners stationed in the region currently lack access to such facilities.
Stressing the unique challenges of healthcare delivery in the trans-Himalayan region, Gupta urged the Ministry to bring the entire Scheduled Tribe population of Ladakh under full PMJAY coverage and revise the insurance premium to reflect higher operational costs.
The Lt Governor further proposed the setting up of a specialised AYUSH Hospital and requested the Union Government to consider establishing an AIIMS campus in Leh to improve tertiary care and advance medical research.
Union Minister J.P. Nadda appreciated the initiatives undertaken by the UT administration and assured full support for strengthening Ladakh’s healthcare infrastructure. He said the Ministry would evaluate the proposals and extend assistance in line with existing schemes and national priorities.
