Ladakh's Medical College Finally Gets Green Light

Ladakh's first government medical college, approved in 2019, is progressing towards its 2027-28 academic year launch. The Union Health Ministry has permitted the administration to recruit for 103 sanctioned regular posts in phases, bypassing the previous requirement of 80% infrastructure completion. This move aims to expedite preparations while construction of the permanent campus in Leh continues.

The college will commence operations from temporary facilities, with identified buildings designated for academic and hostel purposes. Clinical training for the initial MBBS students will be provided by Leh's SNM Hospital, which boasts approximately 60 experienced doctors. This arrangement seeks to overcome administrative bottlenecks previously highlighted by a parliamentary standing committee.

Previously, Ladakh lacked its own medical college, forcing students to seek education outside the Union Territory. Seven MBBS seats were allocated to Ladakh in the 2026-27 academic year, all outside the region. The phased recruitment for the 103 posts will align with academic requirements, with the college eventually relocating to its permanent campus upon project completion.