Chennai, July 25 -- Tamil Nadu's health department has temporarily suspended the kidney transplant licences of two private hospitals - Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital in Perambalur and Cethar Hospital in Trichy - following an internal inquiry based on complaints alleging the existence of a widespread illegal kidney trade racket, officials aware of the matter said on Thursday.

The preliminary probe was conducted by S Vineeth, director of Tamil Nadu Health Systems Reform Project (TNHSRP). Further investigation based on several statements circulated online by alleged kidney donors is currently underway, added the officials.

The probe committee headed by Vineeth, comprised Dr R M Meenakshisundari, joint di...