PMK leader Ramadoss shifted to Chennai for treatment; condition stable after fainting while campaigning

Salem, April 13 (IANS) PMK founder S. Ramadoss has been shifted to Chennai for advanced medical treatment following a health setback during the ongoing Tamil Nadu Assembly election campaign, party sources said on Monday.

According to sources, the veteran leader is expected to undergo specialised treatment at Apollo Hospitals, where a team of senior doctors will monitor his condition. He was initially admitted to a private hospital in Salem and later moved to another facility for further evaluation before the decision was taken to transfer him to Chennai.

Doctors who treated him in Salem said his condition is currently stable and under control. They attributed the health issue to physical exhaustion caused by continuous campaigning, along with age-related factors.

“He had experienced fatigue and a possible drop in blood pressure. He is now stable and recovering well,” a senior doctor said.

Medical experts have advised that Ramadoss remain under observation for at least 24 hours and take adequate rest before resuming any political activities.

Party leaders have expressed confidence that he will make a swift recovery and return to campaigning soon.

The development comes at a politically sensitive time for the PMK, which has been witnessing internal differences between Ramadoss and his son, Anbumani Ramadoss.

The father-son rift over party leadership and strategy has led to parallel political activities and differing campaign approaches, drawing attention ahead of the Assembly elections.

Ramadoss had addressed a public meeting at Pallapatti in Salem, campaigning in support of Salem West constituency candidate and sitting MLA Arul, as part of the election campaign.

However, yesterday, shortly after concluding his speech and stepping down from the stage, he suddenly fainted, causing panic among those present.

His daughter, Dr. Srikanti, along with party members, immediately rushed to his aid and arranged for his transfer to a nearby private hospital for emergency treatment.

The incident briefly disrupted the campaign schedule, even as party leaders moved quickly to ensure he received timely medical care.

--IANS