Jayalalithaa shifted from ICU to special ward, supporters rejoice
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa was shifted out of the ICU (intensive care unit) to a special ward in Apollo Hospital on Saturday evening following her recovery.
Hospital and party sources indicated that she could return home soon.
Amma’s supporters distributed sweets outside the main gates of the hospital to celebrate the news. AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathi said, “Today is our Deepavali. Our happiness knows no bounds. She will come home very soon.”
When Saraswathi announced the news in front of television channels, hundreds of AIADMK cadres broke into slogans of “Amma vazhaga, amma vazhaga” (Long live Amma, long live Amma) while many broke into an impromptu dance.
Thanking doctors at Apollo Hospitals, another AIADMK leader said Jayalalithaa had won a long battle of 59 days.
Hospital chairman Prathap C Reddy declared Jayalalithaa fit to be discharged on Friday, but said the decision to go home would be taken by the “honourable chief minister”.
The chief minister was rushed to Apollo Hospital on the night of September 22 with complaints of fever and dehydration.
As the days progressed, the hospital announced that she was suffering from an infection.
A team of doctors from different specialties, including three specialists from Delhi-based AIIMS and a multi organ specialist from London, attended to her.
“She has received the best possible medical treatment,” Reddy said.