Growing Concerns Over Service Conditions of Doctors in UT Ladakh

1. Stagnation in Medical Officer and Consultant Appointments

Since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019, regular recruitment of Medical Officers and Consultants has not taken place. Although 120 Medical Officer posts were recently advertised and applications have already been received, the selection process has yet to begin. This prolonged delay is severely affecting healthcare delivery. We request the authorities to fast-track this recruitment process without further postponement. Simultaneously, fresh recruitment of Consultants under the Health and Medical Education Department must be launched immediately to reinforce specialist services at secondary and tertiary levels.

2. Urgent Need to Activate Ladakh Medical College

The completion and functional launch of Ladakh Medical College must be treated as a top priority. Alongside infrastructure readiness, adequate medical faculty, technical staff, and support personnel should be appointed in a timely manner. Considering Ladakh’s difficult terrain and strategic importance, the institution should be developed with comprehensive multi-specialty and super-specialty facilities, which are essential for quality treatment, professional training, and long-term retention of doctors.

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3. Compulsory Bond Policy: Uncertainty and Inequality

The compulsory service bond introduced in 2022 for Ladakh’s MBBS and postgraduate students was aimed at addressing doctor shortages. However, there is no structured recruitment or deployment plan for bonded candidates. Only one batch has been engaged so far, while subsequent batches remain idle due to the absence of NHM vacancies. With more than 50 students graduating each year, Ladakh will soon have a sufficient medical workforce.

In addition, the bond applies only to candidates admitted through BOPEE, while those entering the same colleges via the All-India Quota are exempt. This selective enforcement has created serious discrimination. Bonded candidates are restricted from pursuing higher training such as Senior Residency or super-specialty courses, whereas AIQ candidates face no such limitations.

We therefore urge that the bond system be either discontinued or applied equally to all, with assured placement and transparent service guidelines for the bonded period.

4. Barriers to Residency Opportunities in J&K

Doctors from UT Ladakh are currently barred from applying for Junior Residency and Senior Residency positions in Jammu and Kashmir medical colleges, leaving them with no option but to seek opportunities outside the region. A fair and workable framework must be created to allow Ladakh graduates and postgraduates to be considered for residency posts in J&K institutions.

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5. Higher Education Access and Recognition of Bond Service

Doctors who have already served under the compulsory bond should not be deprived of career advancement. Those who have completed at least one year of service must be permitted to pursue Senior Residency, fellowship programs, and super-specialty training. Furthermore, the service rendered during the bond period should be officially recognized as valid experience for eligibility and appointment to permanent consultant posts in UT Ladakh.

6. Strengthening Dental Healthcare in Ladakh

A. Immediate Recruitment of Dental Surgeons
The 26 vacant Dental Surgeon posts must be urgently notified and filled through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

B. Expansion of Dental Services
Permanent Dental Consultants should be appointed at district hospitals, while Dental Surgeons must be recruited under NHM at every Primary Health Centre and Community Health Centre to ensure basic dental care across Ladakh.

C. Increase in Postgraduate Dental Seats
It is highly inadequate that the entire UT of Ladakh has only one MDS seat. The NEET MDS seat allocation for Ladakh must be significantly increased to meet regional requirements.

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