Twenty-five Eastern Cape health department senior officials face disciplinary action for irregular expenditure of R24-million, a spokesperson said on Thursday.

Sizwe Kupelo said the expenditure was recorded during the 2008/09 financial year.

"The department will not tolerate incompetence or maladministration and whoever is responsible will be dealt with," Kupelo said.

"The expenditure is largely due to failure by health institutions to follow procurement procedures when acquiring services from private companies.

"Of the R24-million only R486 000 has been condoned in accordance with National Treasury Practice."

He said the department also noted the recent findings of the Auditor General on more cases of irregular expenditure.

"The department is determined to stamp out all forms of maladministration and will act decisively against those responsible."

Earlier this year the department suspended four senior managers following allegations of nepotism, financial mismanagement and abuse of state resources. They are facing disciplinary charges.