Seeks stronger support for expanding healthcare infrastructure in Ladakh
STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Friday met J.P. Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, in New Delhi and held an extensive discussion on key issues relating to healthcare development, medical education, and public welfare in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Kavinder Gupta expressed gratitude to the Union Government for its continued support and briefed the Union Health Minister on the progress of major healthcare initiatives in Ladakh.
He highlighted the significant advancement made toward establishing Ladakh’s first Medical College as well as the proposed Nursing College in Leh. The Lt Governor informed that crucial steps-including release of central funds, allotment of land, and submission of detailed proposals for construction and creation of posts-have been completed. He urged the Ministry to expedite pending administrative approvals so that both institutions can become functional at the earliest.
The Lt Governor also drew attention to the need for accelerating the process of upgrading District Hospital Kargil from a 100-bed to a 200-bed facility. While additional infrastructure is already under construction, he stressed that timely approval for creation of essential posts is necessary for the upgraded hospital to become fully operational and capable of catering to the growing healthcare needs of the region.
Kavinder Gupta further requested the establishment of a CGHS Wellness Centre in Leh, noting that thousands of central government employees and pensioners posted in the Union Territory presently lack access to CGHS services. He also appealed for extending full PMJAY coverage to the entire ST population of Ladakh and revising the premium structure to reflect the higher cost of healthcare delivery in the high-altitude region.
Additionally, the Lt Governor proposed the establishment of a specialised AYUSH Hospital and sought consideration for setting up an AIIMS campus in Leh to significantly enhance tertiary healthcare and medical research in Ladakh.
He reiterated the UT Administration’s commitment to developing a robust and inclusive healthcare ecosystem with sustained support from the Government of India.
Union Minister J.P. Nadda appreciated the initiatives undertaken by the UT Administration and assured full cooperation in strengthening healthcare services and expanding medical education in Ladakh. He stated that the Ministry would carefully examine the proposals and extend all possible support under existing schemes and national priorities.