Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan on Saturday said that the Director of Health Services (DHS) Reena K J has been replaced as her three-year tenure was over and she took some decisions without consulting the government.

Speaking to reporters here, Muraleedharan rejected reports and allegations that she was replaced for seeking leave.

The minister said that her tenure was over according to a note sent by the Principal Secretary, Health, who had suggested giving her an extension or taking further steps.

Accordingly, it was decided to replace her as her tenure was over, he said.

Muraleedharan also said that Reena had, without consulting the government, issued a letter saying that additional doctors cannot be spared for Sabarimala.

"Such a letter should not have been issued without consulting the government. For these two reasons, she has been replaced and a new person has been appointed as DHS," the minister said.

Reena has reportedly claimed that she was removed for seeking 15-days leave when in reality she had only sought two-days leave due to health and family reasons.