Dr. Arumugam Ketheeswaran, an exemplary medical professional

Some people are great because of their positions. But some others make their positions great. I see Dr.Arumugam Ketheeswaran, Regional Director of Health Services, Jaffna as the

second type of personality. He turns 60 today.  
Karaveddy of Vadamaradchi region is a village with a tradition that has produced great personalities in various fields over the years. Dr. Ketheeswaran is one of the proudest personalities to symbolize this village today.  

He had his medical education in former Soviet Russia in early 1980 and received his Masters in Community Medicine from the University of Colombo. 
 At the age of 25, Dr.Ketheeswaran received his first appointment as the Medical Officer of the Kaluvanchikudi Base Hospital, Batticaloa. After having served few years there, he held the posts of Vavunia General Hospital Medical Officer, Vavuniya Health Medical Officer, Vavunia Regional Health Services Director, Jaffna Regional Health Services Director, Northern Province Deputy Health Services Director, Northern Province Health Services Director and he is currently serving as Jaffna Regional Health Services Director. 

Prominent health service officers 

Ketheeswaran, who has held important positions in the health service since his youth and has rich experience, is one of the prominent health service officers in Sri Lanka today. 
He has been awarded several times by the government for excellence in health services of the regions under his administration. 
There is no doubt that Dr. Ketheeswaran’s simplicity, sophisticated attitude and his dignified behavior in his dealings with people brought him to what he is today.  I don’t believe anyone saw him angrily reacting when handling any problem in his field.  
He is a great personality who embodies all the high qualities that should be possessed not only by health service officers but also by high officials from any sector. Apart from this, he is also very much interested in art and literature. 

Dedicated service

 As a journalist I am well aware of the dedicated service rendered by him. The recent development activities carried out in the Jaffna Health Service under his administration bear witness to his administrative skills. 
His immense contribution to develop the Karaveddy Base Hospital into the multi-facility health institution is just one testimony that is close at hand for us to clearly understand his dedicated service. 

The Karavai people with the  help of friends and well -wishers in the diaspora  have organised a grand function in Nelliady town today to celebrate Ketheeswaran’s Diamond Jubilee. Many eminent personalities from various fields including the medical and educational sectors will grace an event today to honor him in the presence of residents in Karavai. A souvenir depicting his accomplishments and  service wll also be released.  
Together with the people of Karavai, I wish Dr. Ketheeswaran a long and healthy life.  

 -Veeragathy Thanabalasinghm