The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has finally given its nod for the operationalisation of Ladakh’s first Government Medical College in Leh, from the academic year 2027–28, following the timely intervention of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.
The approval paves the way for initiating recruitment against 103 sanctioned regular posts in a phased manner, in accordance with academic requirements.
The development marks a significant step towards fulfilling the long-standing aspiration of the people of Ladakh for access to quality medical education within the Union Territory.
The Government Medical College in Leh would expand opportunities for students aspiring to pursue medical education, strengthen clinical training facilities and contribute to the long-term development of healthcare services in Ladakh.
On July 13, 2026, the Lieutenant Governor had written to Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda, seeking a one-time relaxation from the condition requiring nearly 80 per cent completion of infrastructure before initiating recruitment of faculty and support staff for the Medical College.
The intervention was aimed at enabling preparatory recruitment to begin in time for the proposed commencement of academic activities, even as the construction of the dedicated academic infrastructure progresses.
Taking cognisance of the LG’s request and the urgency involved, the MoHFW agreed to the request, suggesting that the recruitment against the 103 posts will be undertaken in a staggered manner from academic year 2027–28 onwards, based on academic requirements identified by the UT Administration.
The UT Administration will also ensure that the posts are filled on a regular basis in accordance with the approved Recruitment Rules and that the Medical College shifts to its dedicated infrastructure, as soon as the proposed facilities are completed.
LG Saxena thanked the Health Minister, JP Nadda, saying the operationalisation of the Government Medical College in Leh is an important milestone for Ladakh and fulfils a long-standing aspiration of the people.
“I am grateful to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda for their continued support towards strengthening healthcare and medical education in Ladakh. This approval will enable us to begin building the required academic team in phases, in line with academic needs”, LG Saxena said.
As an interim arrangement, two newly constructed buildings have been identified to serve as the Academic Block and Students’ Hostel. The existing 200-bedded SNM Hospital, supported by around 60 experienced doctors, can provide the clinical training required for the first batch of MBBS students. The interim facilities will be used temporarily, in accordance with the conditions stipulated by the Department of Expenditure, until the dedicated infrastructure is completed.