Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, visited Sonam Nurboo Memorial (SNM) Hospital on September 9 to review healthcare services and inspect ongoing project works.

He was accompanied by Director, Health Services, Dr. Tashi Thinles, and Medical Superintendent, SNM Hospital, Dr. Rinchen Chosdon.

The Lt Governor inspected several facilities, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) counter—which provides eligible families cashless coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually—the Elders’ Help Desk, Registration Desk, Amchi Section, Jan Aushadi Kendra, Palliative Care Ward, and the Hyperbaric Chamber ward.

Director Health Services informed that around 1,400 patients visit the Outpatient Department (OPD) daily for consultations, diagnostics, and treatment. He added that patients are being encouraged to use the ABHA-based Scan and Share services, which allow them to skip physical queues and receive instant tokens. Progress on ongoing hospital projects was also shared with the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor directed the hospital administration to strengthen patient-friendly services and expand digital health facilities to ensure ease of access. He also asked officials to expedite pending projects to enhance service delivery.

Reaffirming the UT Administration’s commitment, he said efforts are underway to strengthen Ladakh’s healthcare sector through modern infrastructure, upgraded facilities, and improved outreach to remote areas.