The minister said so in response to a question raised by UNP Colombo District MP Ravi Karunanayake.

Vacancies of medical officers would be filled by appointments of post intern medical officers, transfers and transfers on special appeals by June 2015. An examination has already been held in order to fill vacancies for attendants on Sept 28, 2014 and necessary actions would be taken to fill vacancies in Saukya Karya Sahayaka service before December 31, this year. Actions were also being taken to fill vacancies in other posts, Deputy Minister Dissanayake said.

He said that even tough new units had been started in many hospitals, the approved cadres had not yet been updated.

“Hence there is an excess of staff related to several posts in those hospitals. Therefore, relevant steps are being taken to increase the approved cadre by the Department of Management Services. Accordingly, the problems related to excess staff will be solved hereafter,” Deputy Minister Dissanayake added. (Special Reporter/HC)