Appointments in health department, PK Firos's allegations are politically motivated: Minister Veena George

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: PK Firos's allegation about the appointments in the AYUSH department is untrue and aimed at creating misunderstanding among the people, says minister Veena George. Recruitment to permanent posts in health institutions are done through PSC. Some posts are also filled directly by recruitment through the Employment Exchange. When there is a vacancy for permanent posts where a PSC rank list is not available, people are appointed through Employment Exchange. The government has given clear directions for this, the minister added.

All the appointments in National Ayush Mission are done according to specific criteria. The appointment is made after a newspaper advertisement for the invitation of applications is given followed by an examination and interview. If there are more than 20 applicants then an exam is mandatory as per the criteria. At the Edakkara Ayurveda Hospital where Firos alleged, the 10 people appointed through National Ayush Mission were all appointed by inviting applications and following the criteria. They were appointed years ago and their contracts are being renewed as per the norms of the National AYUSH Mission. Such an allegation is made now with a clear political motive. Such propaganda to disparage the health department should be rejected, said the minister.