According to sources within the ministry, a proposal has been put forth by a group of officials to appoint Dr. Palitha Mahipala as the Secretary of the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Mahipala’s previous tenure as Director General of Health Services faced challenges due to reported political interference. Despite currently holding a prominent position in the World Health Organization, he is viewed as an ideal candidate to address corruption and systemic issues within the health sector.
While the name of Dr. Anil Jasinghe has been suggested for the position, his involvement in multi-million projects in the Ministry of Environment has led to hesitancy in removing him from his current role.
The race for the Secretary’s post has intensified, especially as the term of the current Secretary, Janaka Chandragupta, concludes tomorrow (18). Sources indicate that given the Secretary’s involvement in the illegal immunoglobulin transaction, an extension of his service might not be considered.
