BOSTON (AP) ? Republicans in the state Legislature are calling for the resignation of JudyAnn Bigby, the state’s health and human services secretary.

In a letter sent on Thursday to Gov. Deval Patrick, House Republicans cited “poor management” in the aftermath of two recent crises: The alleged tampering with drug tests at a former Department of Public Health lab, and a deadly outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to a Framingham compounding pharmacy that was regulated by the state.

The GOP lawmakers, who scheduled a news conference for later Thursday at the Statehouse, said a “strong and effective manager” was needed to solve the current problems.

There was no immediate comment from Bigby’s office.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.