DMK president M. Karunanidhi’s vital signs have normalised, but he will need to remain in hospital over an extended period, doctors at Kauvery Hospital said on Tuesday.
The party released a photograph of the Dravidian stalwart in his hospital bed during Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s visit, bringing much cheer to cadres.
A press release from the hospital in the evening said, “An extended period of hospitalisation will be necessary due to age-related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological (blood-related) parameters.”
Mr Karunanidhi continues to maintain his vital signs with active medical support, the bulletin added.
The DMK patriarch was admitted to the hospital on July 28 with a drop in blood pressure, where he was resuscitated and stabilised in the ICU and managed by a team of doctors and nurses. There was a further set back in his condition the next day, Sunday, because of difficulties in breathing. Doctors however, said he responded well to medical management and his vital signs have gradually normalised.
Actor Rajinikanth with M.K. Stalin at the Kauvery hospital in Chennai on Tuesday.
The latest in a series of high-profile visitors, Mr. Gandhi spent about 15 minutes at the ICU of the Kauvery Hopsital alongwith Mr. Stalin, while doctors appraised him of Mr Karunanidhi’s health status.
“I wanted to come and see Karunanidhi- ji and stand with him (here),” Mr. Gandhi told journalists outside the hospital. “He has the spirit of the Tamil people. We have a long relationship with Karunanidhi- ji . So I thought I will come and see (him),” he said.
The Congress chief said was quite happy to see the DMK leader “doing well. He’s very tough, and he’s stable”. Mr. Gandhi said his mother Sonia Gandhi had sent her wishes and regards to Mr. Karunanidhi’s family and that he had conveyed those as well.
Later at night, Tamil film superstar Rajinikanth met Mr Karunanidhi’s family members at the hospital.
