Union Health Ministry clears Ladakh's first Government Medical College at Leh

27 October 2026

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has approved the operationalisation of Ladakh's first Government Medical College, at Leh, from the academic year 2027-28. The approval came after the Lieutenant Governor wrote to the Union Health Minister on 13 July 2026 seeking a relaxation. The Ministry waived the requirement that about 80 per cent of the infrastructure be complete before faculty and staff are recruited. Recruitment has been approved for 103 sanctioned regular posts, to be filled in stages according to academic need. Clinical training for the first MBBS batch will be given at the 200-bed SNM Hospital, which has about 60 experienced doctors. Two newly built buildings will serve as an interim Academic Block and Students' Hostel until the dedicated campus is ready.