Srinagar, Sep 24 (IANS) To revitalise health and medical education in the Himalayan region, the Centre on Monday announced a new medical college for the Leh area, according to a J&K Health and Medical Education Department statement.

The department will set up medical college at Leh under phase-III. The department has prepared detailed project report (DPR) and technical report for the medical college as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines. The DPR will be submitted within two-three days.

The department in consultation with the Deputy Commissioner, Leh, and the Ladakh Hill Development Council has identified 201 kanals of land at Shey Sindhu Ghat village for the college.

"The new medical college in this hilly region shall go a long way not only in the healthcare sector, but also for strengthening the engine of development in the region," said the statement.

According to officials, Rs 325 crore is likely to be sanctioned by the Centre for the medical college. Of this, Rs 115 crore will be spent on college, Rs 80 crore on hostel and homes for students and faculty, Rs 70 crore on medical equipments and Rs 60 crore on up-gradation of teaching hospital.

The SNM Hospital at Leh is a 300-bed hospital with most of specialties. It can be upgraded to 500 beds, as per the MCI requirements. A new emergency block, OPD block and diagnostic block will also be constructed.