India, Nov. 16 -- The public health department has initiated a statewide investigation and financial audit of purchases made by all district malaria officers (DMOs) following reports of alleged irregularities. The audit will cover procurements made from 2017 to 2022, said officials on Saturday.

According to the officials, DMOs over the past six years have allegedly made purchases worth Rs.60 crores from specific or single service providers without following the required tender process. The audit will specifically focus on purchases made for the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).

Dr Sandeep Sangale, joint director of health services and head of vector borne diseases control programme, Maharashtra, ordered the inqui...