DMK president M. Karunanidhi underwent a minor procedure at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai today and was discharged soon after.
The 93-year-old leader was also examined by doctors to evaluate his other health parameters.
The former chief minister was admitted for a “minor procedure - change of (Percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy) PEG tube,” Kauvery Hospital Executive Director S. Aravindan said in a statement.
After the completion of the procedure which took about 40 minutes, Mr. Karunanidhi was discharged, hospital sources said.
Mr. Karunanidhi’s family members were present at the hospital during his brief hospitalisation.
His daughter Kanimozhi later told reporters that the tube has to be replaced once every six months and that he was fine.
In October 2016, Mr. Karunanidhi had taken ill due to a drug induced allergy and was advised to take rest by doctors.
He was later twice admitted to Kauvery hospital in December last.
Once he was treated for nutrition and hydration support and the second time, he underwent tracheostomy to optimise his breathing.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, former Union Minister P. Chidambaram, AIADMK leaders M Thambidurai and D Jayakumar were among several leaders who had visited him during his hospitalisation.
The top DMK leader has been out of action ever since he took ill last year.
Party affairs are being taken care of by his son, DMK Working President M.K. Stalin.
M.G.R birth centenary
Meanwhile, Mr. Karunanidhi has been invited to celebrate the birth centenary of his friend-turned-political rival M.G. Ramachandran, organised by the AIADMK government at the former’s home town, Tiruvarur, on August 19.
Mr. Karunanidhi is the MLA of Tiruvarur. Hence, his name has been included in the list of those who would offer felicitations on the occasion. Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami is scheduled to speak at the function.
Incidentally, the other two MLAs from the region — T.R.B. Raaja and P. Aadalarasan — whose names too figure in the invitation, also belong to the DMK.
(With PTI inputs)