Parrikar could be taken to US for further treatment

Politicians in Goa, on Monday, demanded that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar be shifted to the US for treatment if necessary. Lilavati Hospital, where the former defence minister is being kept in a completely isolated ward, remained silent about Parrikar’s health condition. He is said to be under the care of Dr P Jagannath, gastrointestinal oncologist and chairman of surgical oncology at the hospital.

“Despite his political differences, politicians across parties consider Parrikar to be a national treasure and thus if deemed necessary, he should be shifted to the US for treatment. However, his treating physician, Dr Jagannath has not yet suggested so,” said Michael Lobo, Member of Legislative Assembly, BJP and deputy speaker.

Lobo claimed that Parrikar is kept in an isolated ward where nobody apart from immediate family members are allowed to meet him. “Even on Sunday, when Narendra Modi (Prime Minister), Devendra Fadnavis (Chief Minister, Maharashtra) and Vidyasagar Rao (Governor) visited Lilavati Hospital only Modi was allowed to meet him. Extreme precautions are taken by doctors to contain any possible spread of infection,” Lobo added.

However, officials from Lilavati Hospital have refused to make any comment about Parrikar’s health and have maintained that they aren’t obligated to discuss his medical condition with media. The hospital, through a notification on Sunday, advised media to stop speculations over Parrikar’s health condition.

Officially, both Lilavati Hospital management and Dr Pramod Sawant, Speaker of Goa Assembly, have stated that Parrikar is responding well to treatment. However, Lobo, stated that during the brief four-day session of the Goa assembly, no questions related to the CM’s portfolio will be taken up for discussion.

In a statement, Narendra Sawaikar, BJP MP, stated, “On the advise of his doctors, Parrikar will be continuing with the treatment for pancreas in Mumbai. CM’s treatment is in the right direction and that he is responding to the same. However, he needs sufficient time to recover and remain focused on the treatment. Expert doctors are taking good care of him. We all pray for his speedy recovery.”

Naidu visits Parrikar

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Monday visited the Lilavati Hospital to enquire about the Parrikar’s health. Both the leaders are said to have spoken for about 10-15 minutes.