Mangaluru : The staff of the Government Lady Goschen Hospital have demanded the reinstatement of Medical Superintendent, Shakuntala, who was relieved of her charge on Friday on the orders of Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader.

Her removal came after relatives of one Poovakka, who died after delivery in the hospital, laid siege to the hospital on Friday demanding action against doctors. Mr. Khader said dereliction of duty would not be tolerated and ordered her removal from the post.

The staff, who assembled at the Superintendent’s chamber, urged Dr. Shakuntala not to relinquish the post. They said at least a preliminary inquiry should have been conducted.

One of the protestors said the hospital and staff have been functioning under several constraints. While portions of the hospital buildings have been pulled down to build new ones, there is severe staff short shortage. Amidst all these short comings, the staff have been working overtime to attend to the patients, who come from 10 districts, one of the nurses said.

The Nurses’ Association will submit a memorandum to Mr. Khader to withdraw the order. However, she did not comment on the order and said she would abide by the government direction.