Leh: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has approved the operationalisation of Ladakh’s first Government Medical College in Leh from the academic year 2027-28, paving the way for phased recruitment against 103 sanctioned regular posts.
The approval follows Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena’s intervention, including a request for a one-time relaxation of the requirement that nearly 80% of the college’s infrastructure be completed before recruitment of faculty and support staff could begin.
On July 13, Saxena had written to Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda seeking the relaxation to enable preparatory recruitment ahead of the proposed commencement of academic activities, even as construction of the dedicated infrastructure continues.
The ministry agreed to the request and indicated that recruitment against the 103 posts would be undertaken in phases from the 2027-28 academic year, based on academic requirements identified by the Union Territory administration.
The administration will fill the posts in accordance with the approved recruitment rules and ensure that the college shifts to its dedicated infrastructure once the proposed facilities are completed.
As an interim arrangement, two newly constructed buildings have been identified to serve as the academic block and students’ hostel. The existing 200-bedded Sonam Norboo Memorial (SNM) Hospital, supported by around 60 experienced doctors, is expected to provide clinical training facilities for the first batch of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students.
The interim facilities will be used until the permanent infrastructure is ready, in accordance with conditions stipulated by the Department of Expenditure.
Saxena thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda for supporting the establishment of the medical college, saying it would expand access to medical education for Ladakh’s students and strengthen the region’s healthcare system.
The college is expected to create opportunities for local students aspiring to pursue medical education within the Union Territory while strengthening clinical training and healthcare services in the region.
