Chennai, Nov 1 (UNI) Ruling AIADMK leader and Tamil Nadu
Agriculture Minister R Doraikannu, who was being treated
for severe COVID-19 pneumonia and its complications, died
late last night.
He is the first Minister and the third elected representative
from Tamil Nadu to succumb to the COVID-19 virus after
Opposition DMK MLA J Anbazhagan and Congress Lok
Sabha Member H Vasanthakumar.
A medical bulletin issued by Kauvery Hospital, where he
was admitted since October 13 and tested positive for
coronavirus, said 'with deep grief, we announce the sad
demise of the Minister at 2315 hrs last night'.
'Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family
members during this difficult period', it said.
Mr Doraikannu, who is also the Thanjavur North district
AIADMK scretary, was thrice elected to the State Assembly
from Papanasam constituency in 2006, 2011 and 2016 polls
and was made Agriculture Minister for the first time in 2011
by late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit condoled the
death of the Minister.
Last evening, the hospital said the Minister has suffered
a significant deterioration in vital functions and is extremely
critical despite being on maximal life support.
The hospital had on October 26 said maintaining the
functions of his vital organs continues to be a challenge
considering his comorbidities.
On Sunday last, the hospital said Mr Doraikannu has multiple
comorbidities and the latest CT scan shows 90 per cent lung
involvement.
He as put on ECMO and ventilator, receiving maximal support.
Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, accompanied by Ministers
Dr C Vijayabaskar and D Jayakumar visited the hospital and
enquired about his health condition and also interacted with
the family members of the Minister at the hospital.
Mr Doraikannu was admitted to Kauvery Hospital on October
13 after he developed breathing problems while proceeding
to Salem to pay homage to Mr Palaniswami's mother who
had passed away in a private hospital.
When his convoy reached Vikravandi, he complained of chest
pain and breathing problems and was admitted to the Villupuram
Government Medical College Hospital (VGMCH) at Mundiyambakkam.
After initial treatment, he was shifted to Kauvery hospital
here where he was undergoing treatment since then, before
succumbing to the virus last night.
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