Jayalalithaa taken off sedation, able to sit up

Informed sources told “The Hindu” that Ms. Jayalalithaa is able to communicate through gestures. Respiratory support continues but once the tracheostomy tube is removed, she will be able to communicate verbally.

AIADMK supporters conduct special prayers for the speedy recovery Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, at the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai on Thursday. Photo : K. Pichumani

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is sitting up and is completely off sedation during the day, marking a milestone in her recovery since she was admitted to the Apollo Hospitals here last month.

The team of specialists treating her calibrated the drug dosage, which led to the success in treating the continuing pulmonary oedema. The mitral valve infection was treated effectively and, as a result, fluid accumulation in the lungs has been halted.

Informed sources told

The Hindu that Ms. Jayalalithaa is able to communicate through gestures.

Respiratory support continues but once the tracheostomy tube is removed, she will be able to communicate verbally.

Dr. Richard Beale, consultant intensivist, is expected to return to the hospital on Sunday.