Approval for Ladakh's First Medical College

• 21 Oct 2026

On 20th October, according to Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, the Union Health Ministry has granted permission to start Ladakh's first government medical college in Leh from the 2027-28 academic sessions.

• The medical college is being constructed at Stupuk Pharka in Leh. This will allow local youth to pursue medical education within their region.
• Initial Approval: Approval to set up a medical college in Leh was originally granted in 2019. The 2026 authorization primarily relates to preparations and recruitment needed to launch the college.
• The Central Government granted a special relaxation to begin phased recruitment for 103 sanctioned posts for faculty and staff.
• Previously, recruitment required 80% completion of the college infrastructure. Now, recruitment preparations can proceed alongside ongoing construction.
• As an interim arrangement, the 200-bed Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital will support hands-on practical training for medical students.