Ladakh’s First Govt Medical College Coming to Leh in 2027: Key Details
Union Ministry approves Ladakh's first government medical college in Leh, set to commence operations for the 2027–28 academic year to boost regional healthcare and medical education.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has approved the operationalisation of the first government medical college in Leh, starting from the 2027–28 academic year.
The approval followed the efforts of Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. This marks a major step toward fulfilling a long-standing demand for quality medical education within the Union Territory.
With the approval in place, the administration will begin recruiting for 103 sanctioned regular posts in phases as academic needs require.
As a temporary setup, two new buildings will house the Academic Block and Students’ Hostel. The existing SNM Hospital, with 200 beds, about 60 experienced doctors, will provide clinical training for the first batch of MBBS students until permanent infrastructure is ready.
Ladakh’s First Government Medical College - A New Era of Medical Education, Better Healthcare, and Brighter Futures for Ladakh
The new medical college is expected to create opportunities for local medical aspirants, boost clinical training, and strengthen long-term healthcare infrastructure across Ladakh.
Following a request by Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena in July 2026, the Union Health Ministry granted a special exemption allowing staff recruitment to begin before the permanent infrastructure of the medical college is complete.
Under this approval, the college will fill 103 sanctioned posts in phases starting with the 2027–28 session to ensure it opens on schedule, with operations moving to the permanent facility once ready. Expressing gratitude to PM Narendra Modi and Health Minister J. P. Nadda, LG Saxena highlighted the move as a major milestone fulfilling a long-standing aspiration for the people of Ladakh.
LG Saxena said, "I am grateful to PM Modi and Health Minister Nadda for their continued support towards strengthening healthcare and medical education in Ladakh. This approval will enable us to begin the process of building the required academic team in a phased manner, in line with the academic needs."
Further, he said, “We will work to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made for the commencement of the Medical College in the academic year 2027–28,” Saxena said.
LG Saxena noted that the key focus is upgrading regional healthcare while giving local youth better access to medical education.