The recruitment process for Health Assistants, which will shape the future standard of service in the Northern Province health sector, must be carried out with the highest integrity, transparency, and accountability, without yielding to any form of pressure, said Northern Province Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan.
A special discussion with members of the interview panels appointed for the recruitment of Northern Province Health Assistants was held at the Governor’s Secretariat today – on Tuesday 28 July 2026. The Governor made the above remarks while issuing necessary instructions to the panel members on this occasion.
Continuing his instructions to officials at the event, the Governor further stated the following:
Health Assistants who were issued letters of appointment in 2019 but were not permitted to assume duties have filed a case in court. Everyone must bear in mind that this matter remains under close public scrutiny against this background.
Approximately 3,550 applicants have been called for 300 vacancies. Since no written examination is being held, every mark awarded at the interview will directly affect the final selection. Therefore, each mark given must be clear, fair, and well justified.
No personal influence, political or administrative pressure, or external interference whatsoever should be allowed during the interviews. Evaluation must be carried out solely on the basis of merit, competence, and the criteria specified in the relevant circulars.
All 6 interview panels appointed for this purpose must follow the same evaluation criteria. Different panels must not apply different approaches to equally qualified applicants.
All statutory allocations specified in government circulars, including the quota for differently-abled persons, must be properly implemented. If any irregularity, bias, or abuse of authority is confirmed, legal action will be taken against those responsible without any discrimination, the Governor firmly warned.
The Governor also specifically noted that the service minute for Health Assistants must be revised in future to make a written examination mandatory for such recruitments as well.
The Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Health – Northern Province stated that marks would be awarded strictly in accordance with the procedures that had been publicly announced. A bank of job-related technical questions has been prepared for use during the interviews. As stated in the circular, the mandatory 3% allocation for differently-abled persons will also be duly observed. In addition, the authenticity of all documents submitted by selected candidates will be verified by referring them to the relevant departments, he noted.
The Governor once again emphasized that everyone must act with integrity in order to safeguard the credibility and dignity of the Northern Province public service.
The discussion was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, Secretary to the Governor, Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Health – Northern Province, Deputy Chief Secretary (Administration), the Senior Assistant Secretary and Assistant Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Health, an Administrative Officer and members of the interview panels.
