NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, OCT 31
Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister R Doraikkannu, who was admitted to a private hospital here earlier this month after he complained of uneasiness, subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 breathed his last at 11.15 p.m. on Saturday.
The Minister was on life support since last week. The 72-year-old minister has been put on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a heart-lung assistance machine, and ventilator support and continues to be critical for the last few days.
Doraikkannu was rushed to the government medical college hospital in Villupuram on October 13 after he complained of uneasiness on his way to Salem from Chennai. He was shifted to Kauvery Hospital the same day.
The hospital authorities said Doraikkannu was admitted with severe breathlessness and he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Chief Minister K Palaniswami along with Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar and Health Minister C Vijayabaskar visited the hospital and enquired about Doraikkannu’s health last Sunday.
Doraikkannu, a native of Thanjavur district, was elected from the state’s Papanasam constituency in the 2016 assembly elections.
