THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The appointment of former Director of Health Services and Minister A K Balan’s wife P K Jameela as consultant in Aardram Mission has kicked up a row.
While it has been alleged the appointment was not made in a transparent manner, the Health Department says the appointment was made following all procedures.
Despite three applicants applying for the post, only Jameela attended the interview. It has been said the other two withdrew from the interview after coming to know the minister’s wife was one of the candidates. She was selected through interview by a panel headed by Health Secretary Rajeev Sadananadan.
When contacted, Sadanandan said there was no need for any controversy. "The appointment was made in a transparent way,’’ he said.
Sadanandan said advertisements were placed for the post, to which there was no response. After that, we contacted many persons and asked them to apply for the post, he said and added they had got around two to three applications.
"We wanted a qualified person who has experience as hospital superintendent. We found Jameela was the person suited to be the consultant of Aardram,’’ he said.