LAHORE: The health department launched an inquiry against the medical superintendent (MS) of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on charges of corruption, irregularities and obtaining commission while awarding tenders to `favourite` parties at the teachinginstitute.

The authorities have appointed Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Internal Audit Wing Director Sarfaraz Ahmad to hold preliminary inquiry against MS Dr Nauman Matloob, Deputy MS Procurement Dr Athar and Junior Clerk Ghulam Sajjad.

According to a letter issued by the health department about the inquiry committee, the MS was accused of committing irregularities in a number of tenders, including janitorial services, canteen and various other projects.

An official said that the department had been receiving a number of complaints against the MS about his alleged corruption. He was also accused of holding many private meetings with `irrelevant people` at the hospital after office time and most of the visitors were said to be owners of companies.

The department had issued him several warnings to maintain discipline and avoid such meetings.

However, on finding a written complaint with serious charges, the department ordered an inquiry directing the probing official to submit his report within 15 days.