Ladakhs First Medical College Set to Open in 2027-28 Academic Year

Leh, October 20 (Daily Kiran) : The establishment of Ladakh's first medical college has been officially approved, with operations set to begin in the 2027-28 academic year. Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena announced this significant development on social media, calling it "another historic achievement for Ladakh." The approval from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare allows for the college in Leh to move forward.Saxena expressed his gratitude to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda for considering his request. He noted that the ministry granted a one-time exemption from the requirement that 80 percent of the infrastructure be completed before recruiting faculty and staff. This decision enables an immediate phased recruitment process for 103 approved regular positions, allowing the college to prepare for its first batch of students while construction of the academic facilities continues.Saxena emphasized that this approval fulfills a long-standing aspiration of the people of Ladakh. It will provide local youth with enhanced access to quality medical education and significantly bolster the region's healthcare system. The Union Territory administration is committed to ensuring all necessary arrangements are in place to welcome the first batch of medical students. Additionally, on October 18, the Chief Justice of India, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, inaugurated the Leh bench of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.The ceremony was attended by judges from the Supreme Court and the High Court, as well as local officials and senior police representatives. The central government has also previously approved the establishment of IIT and IIM campuses in Leh, aimed at providing top-tier technical and professional education to local youth without requiring them to leave the Union Territory.