Pranab’s condition worsens, on ventilator support: Hospital
nNEW DELHI: The health of former president Pranab Mukherjee, who underwent lifesaving emergency surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain on Monday, worsened on Tuesday, the Army Research and Referral Hospital said . Mukherjee, 84, was taken to the hospital after a fall at his home, and tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
“Pranab Mukherjee’s health condition continues to remain critical at Army Hospital (R&R) Delhi Cantt. The former President who underwent lifesaving emergency surgery for brain clot on 10 August has not shown any improvement and his health status has worsened. He remains on ventilatory support,” a medical bulletin released on Tuesday evening said.
Mukherjee fell down in the early hours of Monday at his Rajaji Road residence in New Delhi and he was taken to the army hospital where he was immediately admitted. He was tested for Covid-19 as part of the procedure and was found to have been infected by the virus that causes the disease .
Messages wishing him a speedy recovery have poured in from all parts of the country.
His son and former MP Abhijit Mukherjee posted a message on Twitter to greet people on Janmashtami, and asked everyone to pray for the former president. “Happy Janmashtami to All of You. Please pray for my father #Pranabmukherjee for his speedy recovery! We need your good wishes,” he tweeted.
Mukherjee is under observation for 96 hours and the ventilator is being used as a preventive measure, officials said.
As news broke that Mukherjee had tested positive for Covid-19, President Ram Nath Kovind wished him a speedy recovery and defence minister Rajnath Singh visited the hospital and met doctors to enquire about the former President’s health.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee also prayed for the speedy recovery of the former President, who also is a veteran Congress leader.
Mukherjee, President between 2012 and 2017, has been keeping his public interactions at a minimal level in the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak.
In his Rajaji Road residence, he stopped all gatherings and only met a handful of people.
Last year, Mukherjee was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award.