Thiruvananthapuram, 20 June (H.S.):The tussle over the post of Director of Health Services (DHS) in Kerala continued on Saturday, with Dr K.J. Reena reporting for duty at the Directorate of Health Services headquarters citing a favourable order from the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT), while Dr V. Meenakshi, who has been appointed by the government, formally assumed charge and began functioning as the department head.

Speaking to reporters at the DHS headquarters, Dr Reena said she had come to work strictly in accordance with the tribunal’s order and would abide by any contrary direction issued by the High Court.

“I have come here based on the court’s verdict. If the High Court says I should not continue, I will gladly accept that. As of now, the Kerala Administrative Tribunal has stated that I am the Director of Health Services, and I am only complying with that order,” she said.

Responding to the government’s argument that she could continue in the post only if a separate administrative order was issued, Reena said that was a matter for the tribunal and not for her to interpret.

“I do not know whether there are technicalities above a court order. The officer who implemented the verdict can answer that. As far as I am concerned, the tribunal’s order carries the highest value. I believe the judiciary stands with those who have no one else to support them, and I am fully committed to obeying its directions,” she said.

Reena also made it clear that she had no intention of disrupting the functioning of the Health Department amid the ongoing dispute.

“I have never been particular about occupying a specific chair. If I get a place to sit, I have several pending files and administrative matters to complete. My objective is to finish that work, not to force my way into any position. The Health Department is going through a critical phase, and its functioning should not be affected. I do not want to become an obstacle,” she said.

The dispute over the DHS post remains unresolved, with both officials continuing to rely on separate legal and administrative orders to justify their positions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman