Colombo (LNW): Measures have been taken to expedite the hiring of 1,500 family health service officers (midwives) who have been awaiting appointments for three years after successfully passing their interviews, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya.
The Management Services Department has been directed to finalise a decision regarding these recruitments in the coming days, noted the Minister.
This announcement was made during a meeting on October 27 with representatives of the Government Family Health Service Officers Association at the Finance Ministry.
Per a gazette notice issued in January 2021, interviews were conducted to fill 2,500 positions in family health services.
However, it was uncovered that only 1,000 of these individuals are currently in training, leaving the remainder still awaiting their postings.
Mrs. Devika Kodithuvakku, chairperson of the association, highlighted that due to a freeze on government jobs stemming from the economic downturn, those who passed their interviews but remained unappointed faced significant challenges.
Minister Siyambalapitiya acknowledged the challenges of covering costs in a climate of limited revenue. Nonetheless, he emphasised that recruitment in crucial sectors like health cannot be overlooked.
He has directed the Department of Management Services to explore the potential for such hirings.
He also stressed the possibility of leveraging aid from the World Bank for this purpose or, if that proves untenable, sourcing alternative funding methods.
The Minister added that there are also vacancies in departments like the Local Revenue, which contribute to government revenue. Still, priority is being given to recruitment within the health service.
