A senior hospital official accused of sexual harassment has reportedly been put on indefinite leave.

Citing sources, The Star reports that the orthopaedics department head had been told to go on leave following media reports of his alleged sexual abuse.

Earlier today, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that an independent multi-agency panel, which includes the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, would probe the department.

The Star had previously interviewed several house officers who spoke of their experiences with the accused, who they claim would use his authority and power to target young female doctors.

One house officer spoke of how the man once attempted to unbutton her shirt and kiss her after summoning her to discuss work-related matters.

The same hospital official, she said, would demand she go out drinking with him and would touch her inappropriately when she began to get tipsy.

She said he threatened to fail her in the non-academic component of an examination if she did not comply.

The house officer further alleged that no action was taken despite her lodging a police report on the sexual harassment last October.