Thiruvananthapuram: Health department has ordered an inquiry into the decision taken by Kerala Medical Services Corporation Ltd (KMSCL) to spend Rs 19.13 lakh of public funds on a corporate membership at Thiruvananthapuram Tennis Club, following allegations of financial impropriety.Health minister K Muraleedharan directed principal secretary of health department to conduct an immediate investigation after media reports revealed that KMSCL had obtained a 25-year corporate membership at the club by spending Rs 19.13 lakh, including membership and related expenses. Inquiry report has been sought within two weeks.The minister said probe was ordered on prima facie assessment that the expenditure, if found unjustified, could amount to a serious misuse of public funds. He said strict action would be taken against those responsible if the allegations are substantiated.Corporate membership was approved during the tenure of former KMSCL chairman Rajeev Sadanandan. The transaction has sparked controversy, with questions being raised over the need for a govt-owned agency responsible for procuring medicines and medical equipment to obtain an expensive club membership.The issue has drawn criticism as the expenditure was reportedly incurred during a period when the state was facing severe financial constraints and battling Covid-19 pandemic. Critics have alleged that public money was used to provide recreational benefits to senior officials.Inquiry will examine circumstances under which KMSCL secured corporate membership, complete details of payments made towards membership and related expenses, officials who approved the decision and whether the expenditure complied with govt rules and financial norms.Principal secretary has also been directed to submit recommendations on the action to be taken based on the findings of investigation.
