BAJAUR, March 13: The NWFP health department has cancelled the appointments of midwives in the Bajaur Agency and constituted a committee to probe into the irregularities committed in the process, officials told Dawn on Tuesday.

The health department had recently held tests and interviews for appointment against six posts of midwives in the agency hospitals. Some  40 candidates submitted applications for the test.

Sources alleged that the agency surgeon, who was chairman of the selection committee, in connivance with its members, received illegal gratification from the appointees. The appointment orders were issued one day ahead of the interview.

The doctor in-charge of the agency headquarters hospital said the appointments had been cancelled and a four-member inquiry committee  had been constituted to probe into the irregularities.

He said strict action would be taken against those found involved in the illegal practice.