Ministry in disarray after sudden staff reshuffle

A sweeping and abrupt administrative reshuffle within the Ministry of Health and Mass Media has raised serious concerns among insiders, with many questioning whether the changes allegedly made without the knowledge of the subject Minister are truly aimed at improving efficiency or have instead disrupted the Ministry’s core operations.

According to Ministry sources, six Directors, one Assistant Secretary, one Senior Assistant Secretary, and three Deputy Director-Generals were transferred to new internal posts with effect from 1 October 2025.

An additional nine administrative officers were reportedly moved as of 15 October, with further transfers—including among development officers—expected in the coming weeks.

While officials insist the changes are part of a strategy to enhance performance, many within the Ministry argue that the mass reshuffle has caused significant administrative delays.

Several affected officers had only recently taken on their roles, and sources point out that it typically takes months to acclimatise to a new portfolio, making the timing and scale of the transfers all the more disruptive.

Adding to the controversy is the allegation that no officers from the medical administration, including those facing allegations of misconduct or corruption, were among those moved.

This has fuelled speculation over selective action and a lack of transparency in decision-making.

Ministry staff have further alleged that the transfers were orchestrated by a group of additional secretaries and individuals with ties to a political party, raising questions about political interference within the civil service.

Despite claims of an efficiency drive, the Ministry’s administrative wing is now said to be experiencing serious delays, with day-to-day functions in several divisions reportedly affected.