In a landmark achievement for the healthcare sector of the Union Territory of Ladakh, SNM Hospital Leh has reached a new milestone with the establishment and successful operation of its first-ever Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab). Set up at a cost of ₹6 crore under the National Health Mission (NHM), this state-of-the-art facility marks a historic leap in cardiac care for the high-altitude region, bringing life-saving interventional cardiology services to Ladakh for the first time.

The Cath Lab represents not just a medical advancement but also a significant step toward self-reliant healthcare infrastructure in Ladakh—one that can now provide critical treatment locally, reducing the dependence on hospitals in metropolitan cities.

The fully functional Cath Lab allows for procedures such as angiography, angioplasty, and pacemaker implantation, which are vital for diagnosing and treating coronary artery diseases. For a region like Ladakh, where challenging terrain and harsh weather often make medical travel difficult, this facility is a potential lifesaver.

“It is a big achievement and extremely beneficial to have a Cath Lab at a district hospital,” said Dr. Rinchen Chosdol, Medical Superintendent, SNM Hospital Leh. “Such advanced facilities are usually found only in large, urban hospitals. Having one here ensures that our patients can access immediate cardiac care without leaving Ladakh.”

Dr. Chosdol credited the successful setup to collective effort—from government support to team dedication. “The Cath Lab’s establishment is the result of months of preparation, training, and coordination under the NHM. It’s a moment of pride for all of us at SNM Hospital.”

The facility is led by Dr. Lotos Gailson, Cardiologist at SNM Hospital Leh, supported by a trained team. Before the installation of the Cath Lab, the team underwent specialized training at AIIMS New Delhi to ensure smooth and safe operations.

The first angiography procedure at the newly established lab was successfully conducted on a 45-year-old patient diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) by Dr. Gailson and his team.  Following this operation, two more cardiac patients were operated successfully. The success of this procedure marked a historic first in Ladakh’s medical history.

“The Cath Lab enables us to treat patients in real time,” said Dr. Gailson. “Earlier, an emergency patient with a heart blockage would receive injections or clot-dissolving medicines, which took time and did not always, guarantee success. It is very important to remove the blockage within 6 hours. Now, we can intervene immediately and with precision, saving more lives—especially those who require urgent attention.”

Before this development, heart patients in Ladakh had no choice but to travel to Delhi, Chandigarh, or Srinagar for cardiac procedures. Such journeys were not only expensive but also risky, especially for patients in critical condition.

With the Cath Lab now operational, immediate cardiac care is available within Ladakh, saving both time and financial burden for patients and their families. “Earlier, people spent lakhs of rupees traveling outside for treatment,” said a hospital official. “Now, advanced cardiac procedures can be done right here, at a fraction of the cost.”

This milestone follows another remarkable achievement earlier this year. In April 2025, SNM Hospital successfully conducted its first-ever permanent pacemaker implantation on a 76-year-old patient from Leh. The complex procedure was performed by Dr. Gailson, assisted by Ibrahim, Senior Pharmacist, who managed coordination inside the operation theatre, and Ashish from SJM, whose technical expertise was vital to the success of the surgery.

Ladakh’s extreme geography and harsh winters make access to specialized healthcare a major challenge. The launch of the Cath Lab at SNM Hospital Leh therefore symbolizes more than just a medical upgrade—it represents hope.

With this facility, the region can now handle emergency cardiac cases locally, providing timely treatment and improving survival rates. The initiative also aligns with the government’s broader vision to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and ensure that even remote regions have access to modern medical technology.

“This Cath Lab will not only save lives but also instill confidence among people that they can receive world-class healthcare in Ladakh itself,” said Dr. Chosdol. “It’s a proud moment for the people of Ladakh and for every member of our hospital team.”

With the Cath Lab now operational, Ladakh has taken a major step toward self-reliance in specialized healthcare, offering timely, high-quality cardiac care closer to home.