Kashmir Impulse Desk
Leh, Oct 20
Ladakh’s first government medical college in Leh is expected to begin operations in the 2027-28 academic session, following approval by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for a one-time relaxation of infrastructure requirements governing staff recruitment.
The relaxation allows recruitment of faculty and support staff to begin before 80 percent of the permanent infrastructure is complete, enabling construction and preparatory hiring to proceed simultaneously.
The Ministry of Finance’s Department of Expenditure has sanctioned 103 regular posts for the proposed Government Medical College at Spituk Pharka, Leh.
Recruitment will be undertaken in phases to meet the institution’s operational and academic requirements.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena described the approval as a milestone for Ladakh, saying it would fulfil a longstanding public demand and give local students greater opportunities to study medicine closer to home.
In a post on X, Saxena thanked Union Health Minister J P Nadda for granting the relaxation following his request. He said the decision would allow preparatory recruitment to begin while construction of the permanent campus continued.
The Ladakh administration has been asked to set timelines for completing the permanent infrastructure and inform the Department of Expenditure when the college moves to its new premises.
The proposed institution is expected to strengthen medical education and the region’s healthcare system, while creating opportunities for local students and professionals.
However, the recruitment-related relaxation does not itself authorise the admission of students.
The college must meet applicable National Medical Commission requirements and secure the necessary permissions before enrolling its first MBBS batch.
The administration will need to complete the required preparations and obtain the relevant approvals before the planned launch in the 2027-28 academic year.
