To enhance medical infrastructure in UT Ladakh, Advisor Dr. Pawan Kotwal chaired a meeting to review the progress of construction work on the Community Health Centre (CHC) of Padum, Zanskar.

The centre is being built on 13.79 acres (55,584 sq. m) with a project cost of ₹81.82 crore. Its design is tailored to the climate and cultural aspects of Padum, Zanskar.

Officials from CPWD and DLF Consultants provided a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation highlighting key progress updates on the CHC. The meeting discussed essential features of the facility.

The Advisor reviewed the status of ongoing construction, infrastructure development, equipment installation, and utility provisions at the CHC. Concerned officials presented updates on the project timeline, budget utilization, and measures taken to ensure high-quality construction.
Emphasizing the importance of timely completion, the Advisor directed officials to expedite pending work while maintaining high construction standards. He also stressed the need to equip the CHC with essential medical facilities like MRI and CT scan, along with patient-friendly amenities to enhance healthcare services for the local population.

The meeting also addressed logistical challenges posed by Ladakh’s unique terrain and weather conditions, workforce mobilization, and adherence to safety protocols. The Advisor urged officials to resolve bottlenecks in coordination with relevant authorities to prevent project delays. He emphasized that CHC Zanskar should function as a district hospital.

Considering the local climate, he instructed officials to implement a robust electrical system, avoid false ceilings, and adopt tested technology, with SNM Hospital Leh serving as a benchmark.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to complete CHC construction at the earliest to provide improved healthcare services to the residents of Zanskar.

The meeting was attended by the Administrative Secretary of Medical and Health UT Ladakh, the Director of Health Services, Executive Engineer CPWD Anand Gupta, and Senior Manager Associate Nipendra Sharma from DLF Consultants.