A 75-year-old man died of a mysterious disease at Kappikulam near Pasuvanthanai on Sunday. His relatives demanded action against a doctor who was allegedly negligent in his duty.
Santhanam of Melatheru at Kappikulam developed fever on Saturday and went to Ottapidaram Government Hospital. After diagnosis, a doctor at the hospital, without taking him as an inpatient, asked him to buy medicines from a private medical shop in Thoothukudi, sources said.
After Santhanam returned to Kappikulam, he received treatment at a medical camp in the area set up for a mysterious disease that has been spreading in the area since August 18.
After his condition worsened on Sunday, he was moved to Ottapidaram GH, where he died in the next few hours. His relatives refused to accept his body, demanding action against the doctor, who did not give him proper treatment. After officials assured them of appropriate action, they accepted his body.
So far, nine persons have been admitted to Ottapidaram Taluk Hospital with similar symptoms.
