MAKKAH: The Ministry of Health has reappointed a health official two weeks after his hospital in Makkah had fired him for cooperating with Nazaha (National Anti-Corruption Commission), after he had highlighted potential corruption cases, a local newspaper reported.

Sources close to the ministry were quoted as saying that it is not within the powers of the director of the hospital to fire any employee from any department and that such decisions are only within the powers of the ministry to ensure impartiality.

The sources confirmed that the reappointment decision has not yet been implemented and the administration of the hospital is still trying to justify its action. The hospital has nominated another employee to assume the tasks involving the post.

Earlier, the employee had filed complaints about potential financial and administrative corruption at the hospital.

Both the ministry and Nazaha along with other relevant government agencies are communicating with the employee to investigate these allegations.

The ministry has ordered the hospital to reappoint the employee to his post and cancel the mandate for the alternative employee.

Nazaha is investigating the case. If the allegations are proved, the case would be referred to the security and judicial authorities.