Latest news with #Selvaraj
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
SOS from the fringes
Bonacaud, a remote forest-fringed settlement in the state capital, is grappling with healthcare challenges due to the absence of medical facilities. Located on the edge of the Western Ghats, deep within the Vithura panchayat in Nedumangad, the area is vulnerable to human-wildlife conflicts, with wild elephants and bears often sighted. The nearest government hospital is over 20km away, leaving the ageing former tea estate workers living here without access to timely medical care. In emergencies, help often arrives only after a minimum delay of two hours. This delay could be fatal, say the residents. Selvaraj T, 62, a resident of the estate, had a near-death experience after a snakebite a few months ago. 'I thought I wouldn't survive. Another person was bitten earlier, and the only ambulance available took him first,' he says. 'I had to wait for four hours before I was picked up.' He was first taken to Vithura taluk hospital, from where he was referred to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. He spent three days in the ICU and incurred an expense of Rs 30,000. Selvaraj is among the 180 families, mostly elderly, who reside at the estate. The residents have submitted a representation to the district collector and the Vithura panchayat, demanding a health sub-centre or a primary health centre in the area. Once a flourishing British-era plantation known as Bonaccord, Bonacaud was a hub of activity and employment for hundreds of workers, many of whom had migrated from Tamil Nadu. Established in the 19th century, the estate remained a major tea producer until its decline in the late 20th century, culminating in the factory's closure in 2000.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Remote Bonacaud faces healthcare crisis amid wildlife threats
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Bonacaud, a remote forest-fringed settlement in the state capital, is grappling with healthcare challenges due to the absence of medical facilities. Located on the edge of the Western Ghats, deep within the Vithura panchayat in Nedumangad, the area is vulnerable to human-wildlife conflicts, with wild elephants and bears often sighted. The nearest government hospital is over 20km away, leaving the ageing former tea estate workers living here without access to timely medical care. In emergencies, help often arrives only after a minimum delay of two hours. This delay could be fatal, say the residents. Selvaraj T, 62, a resident of the estate, had a near-death experience after a snakebite a few months ago. 'I thought I wouldn't survive. Another person was bitten earlier, and the only ambulance available took him first,' he says. 'I had to wait for four hours before I was picked up.' He was first taken to Vithura taluk hospital, from where he was referred to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. He spent three days in the ICU and incurred an expense of Rs 30,000. Selvaraj is among the 180 families, mostly elderly, who reside at the estate. The residents have submitted a representation to the district collector and the Vithura panchayat, demanding a health sub-centre or a primary health centre in the area.
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- The Hindu
Tamil film stunt trainer dies during film shoot in Nagapattinam
Mohanraj, 52, stunt trainer collapsed and died during the shooting of a Tamil film here on Sunday. Mohanraj is the son of Selvaraj and hailed from Poongandam in Kancheepuram district. He was working as a stunt coordinator for the film Vettuvan produced by Neelam Productions. The shoot had been under way in Alappakudi near Vizhunthamavadi village, in Keelaiyur police station limits since July 10. Around 10.40 a.m, Mohanraj reportedly experienced health complications during filming. He was immediately rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital at Orathur where doctors declared him brought dead. His body has been kept at the hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination. Keelaiyur police have registered a case and are investigating. The shoot was temporarily halted following the sudden demise of Mohanraj.
New Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Tenkasi food poisoning case: Death toll rises to six
TIRUNELVELI/TENKASI: The death toll in the Sundarapandiapuram old age home food poisoning case increased to six after a 74-year-old man died in the Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital (TvMCH) on Monday. The deceased was identified as Selvaraj, a native of Mooppanpatti near Kovilpatti. Five other inmates had died earlier in different hospitals. Around ten people are receiving treatment in TvMCH. The victims were inmates of a home for the elderly and people with mental health issues run by Rajendran of Annai Nalavazhvu Trust in Sundarapandiapuram. The inmates suffered from diarrhoea and vomiting on June 8 allegedly after consuming mutton, some vegetarian food and water. More than 40 inmates who were treated for food poisoning have been discharged. The district administration sealed the home and shifted all the inmates to another facility in Vadakarai. When contacted by TNIE, Tenkasi Collector A K Kamal Kishore said the exact cause of death could be ascertained only after receiving the viscera examination results. 'We have detected E. coli bacteria in the borewell water at the home and in the water of a pond where the inmates' clothes were washed,' he added.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Death toll in Tenkasi food poisoning case rises to Six
Tenkasi: The death toll in the suspected food poisoning and water contamination incident at an old age home in Sundarapandiapuram village in Tenkasi district rose to six, following the death of a 74-year-old man at the Tirunelveli Govt Medical College Hospital on Monday. Officials said the deceased, Selvaraj, of Kovilpatti, had pre-existing kidney ailments and other health complications. Two more inmates of the home with multiple co-morbidities remain under observation at the hospital. On June 8, many inmates of the Annai Nallvalvu Trust Old Age Home consumed rice and meat for lunch and developed symptoms such as vomiting and urinary issues. Initially, they were treated at a nearby primary health centre and shifted to the Tenkasi Govt Hospital on June 10 as more cases surfaced. There were 58 inmates in the facility. The first death was reported on June 11, and three more deaths were reported in the following days. Following a review of the situation, 12 patients in critical condition were transferred to the Govt Medical College Hospital in Palayamkottai. One of them, a 54-year-old man, died on June 17. When the incident came to light, revenue, health, and food safety officials carried out inspections at the old age home and collected samples for testing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo A senior health official confirmed that the drinking water sample tested positive for E. coli bacteria while the food samples showed signs of contamination. Once the food safety department submits its final report within this week, the reason will be ascertained, the official added. The home has been sealed, and its owner Rajendran was arrested on June 14. Preliminary reports from various departments have been submitted to the district administration. When contacted, Tenkasi district collector A K Kamal Kishore was not available to answer about the reports and their findings.
