Healthcare

Healthcare infrastructure in the remote Zanskar valley is basic and primarily serves immediate, foundational medical needs. * The **Community Health Center (CHC)** in Padum is the main medical facility, equipped to handle minor injuries, routine treatments, and basic maternal care. * Small sub-centers and primary health clinics are scattered across the larger villages, often staffed by local health workers. * Pharmacies are mostly clustered in the Padum main market. * For critical care, specialized treatments, or major emergencies, patients must travel by road to the district hospital in Kargil or the Sonam Norboo Memorial (SNM) Hospital in Leh. During the harsh winter months when mountain passes are closed, critical patients must be airlifted by the government or military.