The Member of Parliament (MP), Choida Jamtsho (56) from Nganglam Constituency passed away last night at Belangdrak in Wangdue Phodrang. According to the medical doctor, the probable cause of death is food poisoning. Another two men, aged 33 and 44 were evacuated to Wangdue Hospital and undergoing treatment.
The MP and one of his relatives went to Belangdrak on Saturday to visit their relative who was staying there. And the next day they went on pilgrimage to upper Belangdrak. According to a source, they reportedly prepared curry for dinner from a grass-like plant picked from the wild while returning from the Belangdrak Nye. But nobody knows the accurate name of the plants. However, villagers say the plant is locally known as ‘Nyimchung’ and is not an edible plant. The edible plant, according to the villagers, is called ‘Dhem’- similar to the poisonous plant.
As per the source, the deceased suffered seizure, nausea and giddiness after dinner. With his condition worsening, his two relatives called one of their neighbours for assistance. However, they also started experiencing the same symptoms. The neighbour then called emergency number 112. The MP passed away before the health team reach the location which is around 45 minutes walk from the road point.
Meanwhile, the two relatives of the deceased are in stable condition in the hospital.
A medical doctor says they are again sending the plant sample to the National Biodiversity Centre at Serbithang in Thimphu to identify the plant as they could not identify it today.
The deceased was serving as a Member of Parliament for his third term since 2008 from Nganglam Constituency. He is survived by his two children and wife.
