External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced on Wednesday that she is undergoing treatment for kidney failure.
The statement indicates that she is unlikely to participate in the winter session of the Parliament, where she has been a prominent defender of the government’s foreign policy-related decisions.
Kidney failure
“I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis. I am undergoing tests for a kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will bless,” Ms. Swaraj said in a health update, on her official Twitter handle.
I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis. I am undergoing tests for a Kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will bless
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) >November 16, 2016
Senior AIIMS sources told The Hindu that “Ms. Swaraj is under treatment of a team of specialists consisting of Sandip Mahajan (head of department, Nephrology), Dr. Nikhil Tondon (head of endocrinology department), Dr. R Guleria (head of pulmonary division). They all are treating hear. Her transplant test is going on. It will take a week or two weeks at least because they are also trying to find out donors,” said a source.
Ms Swaraj’s announcement drew a large number of response from the social media and from among her colleagues. “Sushmaji we are with you in this difficult tie. Hope you get better very soon,” said Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on a social media post. Followers of Ms. Swaraj on her Twitter handle also came out in solidarity, with some even offering kidneys for her.
Ms. Swaraj was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in April to treat respiratory problems. Reports have since been circulating about her health. This is the first time that Ms. Swaraj issued a ‘health upset.’
Following her post, people tweeted praying for her speedy recovery.
>@SushmaSwaraj praying for your recovery, ma'am! get well soon! the country needs you! god speed!
— Nirwa Mehta (@nirwamehta) >November 16, 2016
>@SushmaSwaraj get well soon ma'am, can't have one of our most proactive, humane and efficient ministers out of action for too long.
— atul kasbekar (@atulkasbekar) >November 16, 2016
>@SushmaSwaraj Wishing you healthy and quick recovery Sushma Ji. May god bless you with good health - CM Parkash Singh Badal
— Shiromani Akali Dal (@Akali_Dal_) >November 16, 2016
