Kochi: Controversy has erupted over the appointment of minister A.K. Balan's wife and former health director P.K. Jameela as management consultant of the department's 'Aardram Mission.' There were three candidates for this post, but only Jameela went through an interview. Sources say another applicant was at the hall where the interview was conducted, but returned after knowing that the minister's wife was being interviewed.
It is pointed out that this is a breach of the government's assurance that kin of those in key posts will not get any priority treatment after former industries minister E.P. Jayarajan had to step down following a nepotism row.
The management consultant's task is to co-ordinate work at primary health centers and taluk hospitals as part of the Aardram project. The health department had invited applications from those who have experience as hospital superintendent. Appointment is on a one-year contract.
The interview was conducted by a panel headed by health department additional secretary Rajeev Sadanandan at the National Health Mission headquarters in the state capital. Sadanandan insists the selection procedure was transparent. Ads were put out calling for applications. Jameela was qualified for the post, he pointed out.
Her salary would be the last she drew as health director, minus her pension.