LAHORE:Management and professional development department Secretary Nadeem Irshad Kiyani has been appointed as inquiry officer to initiate proceedings underthe Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act 2006 against a former medical superintendent of the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

On disciplinary grounds, Dr Syed Nauman Matloob was asl(ed to report to the specialised healthcare and medical education (SHME) department on Aug 21 this year, an official privy to the matter said on Wednesday.

As per preliminary probe conducted by internal audit wing director of the SHME department, DrNauman allegedly committed 15 irregularities while granting extension in the contract of the hospital`s canteen. Quoting an order issued by the SHME department special secretary, the official said the hospital`s former medical superintendent was not competent to grant extension in the canteen`s contract.

`In violation of Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules, the MS awarded the contract through open auction without conducting the technical evaluation of the bidders. `Prohibited item like cigarettes of different brands were being sold at the canteen,` said the official.

The inquiry officer has been directed to submit report within 60 days along with recommendations to the SHME department.