KARGIL: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Tuesday described the inauguration of the modern 3 Tesla MRI facility at District Hospital Kargil as a proud moment not only for the district but for the entire Union Territory of Ladakh, stating that the facility will ensure world-class diagnostic services for people living in remote, hilly and border areas.
The Lt Governor dedicated the state-of-the-art MRI facility to the people of Kargil in the presence of Chairman/CEC LAHDC Kargil Dr. Jaffer Akhoon; Member of Parliament Mohd Hanifa Jan; Executive Councillors of LAHDC Kargil; Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal; Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar; Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar; SSP Nitin Yadav; Director Health Services Dr. Tashi Thinles; Chairman Haj Committee Ali Majaz; senior officers, religious heads, medical professionals, students and district officials.
Addressing the gathering, Kavinder Gupta said the installation of advanced diagnostic technology reflects the government’s commitment to equitable, accessible and quality healthcare. He noted that Ladakh’s harsh terrain, extreme weather and long winters had historically posed major challenges to healthcare delivery, but recent developments have ensured that geographical remoteness is no longer a barrier to modern medical services.
Highlighting healthcare reforms under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor recalled the country’s resilient response during the COVID-19 pandemic and said the same vision is now strengthening healthcare infrastructure in remote regions like Ladakh.
He emphasized that the 3 Tesla MRI facility will enable faster and more accurate diagnosis of complex diseases. Until now, patients from Kargil had to travel to Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh or Delhi for advanced investigations, resulting in financial burden and mental stress. The new facility will provide major relief to patients and their families while enhancing confidence in local healthcare services.
The Lt Governor further informed that a proposal to increase the bed capacity of District Hospital Kargil from 100 to 200 beds has been submitted to the Government of India, with approval expected soon. Construction of a new hospital block to expand capacity to 300 beds at an estimated cost of ₹61 crore is underway. Doctors’ and staff quarters, an administrative block and a TB hospital are nearing completion, while the ₹81-crore CHC Zanskar project is currently under tendering.
He noted that Ladakh allocates nearly 8.76 percent of its total budget to the health sector—higher than the national average—and reiterated the administration’s focus on universal healthcare through Ayushman Bharat and strengthening medical education, including the approval of a new medical college.
CEC LAHDC Kargil Dr. Jaffer Akhoon termed the installation of the 3 Tesla MRI a major milestone for regional healthcare, stating that residents will now receive world-class diagnostic services free of cost at their doorstep. He acknowledged the role of the present and former UT leadership in developing modern facilities at District Hospital Kargil and highlighted CSR-supported procurements, including a ₹9-crore CT scan for CHC Sankoo.
Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal said the inauguration marks a significant advancement in Kargil’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring timely and accurate diagnosis while reducing patient burden.
Earlier, Medical Superintendent Dr. Mohammad Abbas welcomed the dignitaries and termed the MRI facility a giant leap in diagnostic capabilities, particularly benefiting economically weaker sections by reducing the need for costly referrals outside the district.
