The Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared that it will establish a government medical college (GMC) for Leh. This would be the first such facility in the district that would help develop health education and services in the region. The Health and Medical Education Department will set up the GMC in Leh under Phase-III, and 201 kanals (25.125 acres) of land at Shey Sindhu Ghat village has been identified for the purpose.

According to the official spokesperson, the department has prepared a detailed project report (DPR) and technical report for construction of the GMC as per the guidelines set by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. For establishing the government medical college at Leh, the DPR would be submitted within two to three days to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. “The establishment of this new medical college in this hilly region will go a long way not only in the health care sector but also strengthening the engine of development in the region,” he said.

He further stated that the pre-execution DPR is in the process of finalization and a total amount Rs 325 crore would be sanctioned by the Centre for establishment of the medical college. Of the total, Rs 115 Crore has been earmarked for hostel and residence for students. Rs 80 crore will be spent for faculty and Rs 70 crore on medical equipment and Rs 60 crore for upgradation of teaching hospital.

The Sonam Norboo Memorial (SNM) Hospital at Leh, which currently has 300-bed will be upgraded to 500-bed. This would be done as per requirements of the MCI and a new emergency block, OPD block and diagnostic block would be constructed within the hospital premises.

The Health and Medical Education department has established five New GMCs. Out of this, the Medical Council of India (MCI) has granted permission that 100 MBBS each, in such facilities at Kathua, Rajouri, Anantnag and Baramulla, can get admission. The government has already submitted DPRs for setting up new medical colleges at Handwara and Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir, the spokesman added.

Source: PTI