Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan has ordered an inquiry into allegations of irregularities in the purchase of bleaching powder by the KMSCL, following media reports that the procurement led to an unnecessary expenditure of Rs 7.32 crore.

The minister directed the principal secretary of the Health Department to investigate after reports alleged that purchases made by Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited between March 11 and May 6 resulted in avoidable spending of Rs 7.32 crore, an official release said here on Monday.

The release said the inquiry will examine whether KMSCL followed the prescribed procurement procedures, applicable rules and tender conditions while making the purchases.

It will also verify whether the bleaching powder was bought at a reasonable price, assess the quality of the material and how it was used, and determine whether the government suffered any financial loss.

The principal secretary has been asked to submit a detailed inquiry report within a week, consisting of the findings and recommendations for further action, the release added.