Hon. Governor of Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan stated that only if the Provincial Indigenous Medicine Department is established in Mankulam, the central region of the Northern Province, will the people of all five districts be able to benefit equally from its services. Therefore, he urged officials to expedite the construction of a new permanent building on the land allocated for this department in Mankulam.
The monthly review meeting on the financial and physical progress of the projects implemented in 2025 under the Ministry of Health, Indigenous Medicine, and Probation & Childcare Services of Northern Province, was held today – on Wednesday 26 November 2025, at the Governor’s Secretariat.
The Governor, expressing his views at the meeting, further stated:
“It has been planned to temporarily relocate the Provincial Indigenous Medicine Department to Kilinochchi at the beginning of next year. However, our long-term goal remains Mankulam. Once the permanent building is constructed in Mankulam, the department must be moved there entirely. Only then will people from all districts have convenient access.”
“In 2026, the Provincial Indigenous Medicine Department must function with new vigour as a model institution in the Northern Province. For many years you have highlighted a shortage of medical practitioners. That issue has now been resolved. Therefore, excuses should not continue. Efficient service must be provided to the people.”
“Officials must conduct unannounced field visits to hospitals. They should examine the ground realities, meet the people directly, listen to their grievances, and take immediate action to address the needs that exist.”
During the discussion, detailed reviews were carried out on the projects of the Ministry of Health, the Provincial Department of Health, the Department of Indigenous Medicine, and the Probation & Childcare Services Department. Practical challenges in implementing development projects and their solutions were also discussed.
Those who participated in the meeting included Northern Province Chief Secretary Mrs. Thanuja Murugesan, Secretary to the Governor S. Sathiyaseelan, Secretary of the Ministry of Health Mrs. P. Jeyarani, Deputy Chief Secretaries – Planning, Finance, Engineering Services, Provincial Director of the Buildings Department, Regional Directors of Health Services, Provincial Commissioner of Indigenous Medicine Departments, Provincial Commissioner of the Probation & Childcare Services Department, accountants, and several others.
