Following the written test for the posts of grade III and IV workers of the health sector held on March 28, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has decided to select four candidates, instead of three, against each of the 1,808 vacant posts in 26 districts.
More than one lakh candidates registered for the written test, held following MCQ method, though around 20,000 were absent. The selected candidates will face a 30-mark viva voce.
A private firm, supervised by a five-member DGHS committee headed by the additional director general (administration) has scanned the MCQ test scripts using OMR machine.
Dr Shah Newaz, member secretary of the recruitment committee and also director (administration) of DGHS, told the Dhaka Tribune that the written test results would be published today or tomorrow.
He said the committee agreed to select four candidates instead of three against each post because of the excessive number of applicants.
“Bringing about this change will not be a problem as the rules say less than five candidates could be selected,” he said.
Meanwhile, DGHS officials have allegedly been bombarded with recommendations through phone calls and letters, though the written test results are yet to be published. Ministers, state ministers, lawmakers, top parliament officials, political leaders, Anti-Corruption Commission officials, Health Ministry and DGHS high-ups are among those who have made recommendations.
A section of people is said to be collecting Tk3-5 lakh from the candidates, saying the money will have to be paid once they have the recruitment letter in hand.
Shah Newaz, however, termed it a rumour and urged candidates not to spend a single buck on such promises.
It has been learnt that the health minister, state minister for health and the DGHS DG have decided not to entertain any recommendation if a candidate is not selected in the written test.
DG Professor Din Mohammad Nurul Haque visited DGHS office three times to monitor the MCQ test script scanning process on Saturday while recruitment committee members are present there round the clock. Health Minister Mohammad Nasim was in Chennai until yesterday afternoon but he had always remained in touch with all the officials concerned.
Seeking anonymity, several DGHS high officials told the Dhaka Tribune that health officials were criticised for allegedly taking bribes from candidates during previous recruitments. Several cases were also filed with the High Court in this connection.
