Dr. Tashi Thinlas, Director of the Health & Medical Education Department, UT Ladakh, conducted a one-day inspection of ongoing healthcare infrastructure projects across various villages in Khalste Block on July 7. He was accompanied by the Block Medical Officer (BMO) Khalsti, Section Officer (Planning), and Junior Engineer, R&B Khalsti.

The inspection covered the Ayushman Arogya Mandir sites at Mangue, Hemis Shukpachan, Ullay Tokpo, Saspochay, and Liker. A key focus was the review of the construction of 4-unit staff quarters being developed under the Special Development Package (SDP) at each location, with each project sanctioned at a cost of ₹1.6765 lakh. The team expressed overall satisfaction with the progress of the works.

Dr. Thinlas directed the BMO and the concerned R&B representative to initiate the official handover process without delay and ensure that any pending payments to contractors are cleared promptly.

During the visit, villagers—led by local representatives—appealed for the sanction of a new ambulance, noting that the current one, funded under MPLADS, will be decommissioned by the end of 2025.

However, concerns were raised regarding the substandard construction quality of the NTPHC building at Hemis Shukpachan, being executed under the District Capex Budget.

The team urged immediate corrective measures.

Later in the evening, Dr. Thinlas, along with the SO (Planning) and local villagers of Liker, led by the Nambardar, visited the construction site of the NTPHC building and 4-unit staff quarters under SDP in Liker for further review.