Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on December 24 inaugurated a state-of-the-art 3 Tesla MRI facility at the District Hospital Kargil, marking a major milestone in strengthening advanced healthcare services in the remote Himalayan region.

Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor said the new facility ensures that people living in remote, hilly and border areas will no longer be deprived of world-class diagnostic services despite challenging geographical and climatic conditions. He emphasized that geographical remoteness is no longer a barrier to accessing quality medical care in Ladakh.

The advanced MRI facility was dedicated to the people of Kargil in the presence of CEC LAHDC Kargil Dr. Jaffer Akhoon; Member of Parliament Mohd Hanifa Jan; Executive Councillors of LAHDC Kargil; Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal; Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar; Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar; SSP Nitin Yadav; Director Health Services Dr. Tashi Thinles; Chairman Haj Committee Ali Majaz, senior officers, religious heads, medical staff and students.

LG Kavinder Gupta said the installation of cutting-edge diagnostic technology reflects the government’s firm commitment to equitable and quality healthcare and represents a significant step toward strengthening the public health system in Ladakh.

Highlighting Ladakh’s difficult terrain, harsh climate and long winters, he noted that healthcare delivery had historically faced serious challenges. However, he expressed satisfaction over the progress made in recent years, stating that sustained infrastructure development and policy focus have transformed healthcare access across the UT.

Referring to reforms under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor recalled India’s resilient response during the COVID-19 pandemic through rapid infrastructure expansion, modern technology and the tireless efforts of healthcare workers. He said the same national vision is now benefiting remote regions like Ladakh.

The Lt Governor said the 3 Tesla MRI will enable faster and more accurate diagnosis of complex diseases. Earlier, patients from Kargil were compelled to travel to Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh or Delhi for advanced investigations, resulting in financial strain, time loss and mental stress. With this facility available locally, patients and their families will receive significant relief and renewed confidence in district-level healthcare services.

He also highlighted the continuous strengthening of healthcare infrastructure across the UT, including District Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, aimed at improving accessibility, preventive care and early diagnosis.

Providing details of ongoing projects, the Lt Governor informed that a proposal to enhance the bed capacity of District Hospital Kargil from 100 to 200 beds has been submitted to the Government of India and approval is expected soon. Construction of a new hospital block to expand capacity to 300 beds at a cost of ₹61 crore is underway. He added that Doctors’ Quarters, Staff Quarters and Class-IV employees’ quarters are nearing completion, along with an Administrative Block and a TB Hospital. The ₹81-crore CHC Zanskar project is currently under tendering.

LG Kavinder Gupta noted that Ladakh allocates nearly 8.76 percent of its total budget to the health sector—higher than the national average. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to universal healthcare through Ayushman Bharat and initiatives to strengthen medical education, including the approval of a new Medical College in the UT.

Congratulating the Health Department and all stakeholders, the Lt Governor urged effective utilization of the MRI facility to benefit all sections of society, particularly the poor and residents of far-flung areas. He expressed confidence that the facility would significantly enhance timely diagnosis and help save valuable lives.

CEC LAHDC Kargil Dr. Jaffer Akhoon, speaking on the occasion, congratulated the people of Kargil on the installation of the state-of-the-art MRI facility, calling it a landmark achievement in regional healthcare. He thanked the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Secretary for their support and recalled the pivotal role played by former LG Dr. Brig. B.D. Mishra in developing modern infrastructure at the hospital.

Dr. Akhoon said the new MRI facility will provide world-class diagnostic services free of cost at the doorstep of Kargil residents, especially benefiting marginalized communities who previously had to travel long distances. He highlighted several healthcare initiatives undertaken under his chairmanship, including CSR procurement of a ₹9-crore CT scan for CHC Sankoo through Power Grid.

He urged the administration to address shortages of super-specialists such as cardiologists, urologists and nephrologists, provide short-term ultrasound training to local MBBS doctors in J&K hospitals, and ensure emergency first-aid services for Kargil residents in Jammu. He also appealed for support to upgrade the AMT School into a Nursing College.

Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal termed the inauguration of the 3 Tesla MRI facility a significant milestone for Kargil, stating that advanced medical infrastructure ensures timely and accurate diagnosis, reduces patient burden and reflects the UT administration’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery in remote and challenging areas.

Earlier, Medical Superintendent Dr. Mohammad Abbas delivered the welcome address and described the 3 Tesla MRI as a giant leap for diagnostics in Kargil. He said the facility would greatly benefit economically weaker patients by sparing them the cost and hardship of external investigations, while improving treatment outcomes.