BEIJING, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The National Supervisory Commission has decided to dispatch an inspection group to Wuhan, capital city of Hubei Province and the epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak, to thoroughly investigate issues related to Dr. Li Wenliang.

The decision has been approved by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the commission said in a statement on its website Friday.

Li, an ophthalmologist with the Central Hospital of Wuhan, passed away early Friday after being infected with the novel coronavirus despite the best efforts of doctors.

The National Health Commission (NHC) expressed its deep condolences over Li's death in a statement on Friday.

The commission paid great respects to medical personnel who rise to challenges and fight on the frontlines of epidemic control in disregard of great personal risk.

At this critical moment for epidemic control, the whole society should give more care to medical personnel as well as rally to overcome difficulties and win the battle against the virus outbreak, the NHC said.

In addition, the Wuhan municipal government on Friday mourned Li's death in a notice.

"We express our deep condolences and sadness, pay our tribute to him for fighting on the front line against the epidemic, and show our sincere sympathy to his family," the local government said in the notice.