Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, met JP Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, in New Delhi on November 21 to discuss key priorities related to healthcare development, medical education, and public welfare in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the Union Government for its continuous support and briefed the Union Health Minister on progress made in major healthcare projects, including the establishment of Ladakh’s first Medical College and the proposed Nursing College in Leh. He informed that several crucial steps—such as release of central funds, land allotment, and submission of proposals for construction and creation of posts—have already been completed. He urged the Ministry to expedite the remaining administrative approvals so that both institutions can be operationalised at the earliest.

Kavinder Gupta also stressed the need to fast-track the upgradation of District Hospital Kargil from 100 to 200 beds. While construction of additional infrastructure is underway, creation of essential posts is still awaited and requires early approval from the Ministry.

The Lt Governor further requested the establishment of a CGHS wellness centre in Leh, noting that thousands of central government employees and pensioners posted in Ladakh currently lack access to this vital facility. He also urged the Ministry to bring the entire ST population of Ladakh under full PMJAY coverage and revise the premium structure to account for the higher cost of healthcare delivery in the region.

He proposed the establishment of a specialised AYUSH Hospital and requested consideration for setting up an AIIMS campus in Leh, stating that it would greatly strengthen tertiary healthcare and medical research in the trans-Himalayan region. He reaffirmed Ladakh’s commitment to building a robust and inclusive healthcare ecosystem with continued support from the Government of India.

Union Minister JP Nadda appreciated the efforts of the UT Administration and assured full cooperation in strengthening healthcare services and expanding medical education in Ladakh. He stated that the Ministry would examine the proposals and extend all possible support within the framework of ongoing schemes and national priorities.