Commending the Northern Provincial Department of Health Services for its progress in project implementation and fund utilization, Hon. N. Vethanayahan, Governor of Northern Province instructed officials to complete ongoing work as earlier by utilizing allocated funds within the timeframe. It was also decided to submit a special request to the Finance Commission and the Central Ministry of Health to secure Rs. 1,700 million needed for the department’s projects next year.
These matters were discussed at the monthly progress review meeting of the Health and Child Care Departments of Northern Province, held on Wednesday (07.10.2026) under the chair of the Governor.
The meeting reviewed the progress of a joint initiative in the Jaffna district designed to prevent deaths resulting from poor life decisions. Noting similar incidents reported in other areas like Kilinochchi, the Governor directed officials to replicate the Jaffna model to step up prevention efforts in Mannar, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, and Vavuniya districts.
To address the shortage of counselors, discussions focused on requesting new staff allocations while temporarily assigning qualified Development Officers and diploma holders to these roles. Additionally, the Governor advised the Provincial Department of Health Services to collaborate with the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board to raise awareness about drug usage among school students.
