Karunanidhi health update: Hospital says DMK patriarch condition declines, next 12 hours crucial
The condition of ailing DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi has “declined” and keeping his vital organs functioning remains a “challenge”, Kauvery Hospital told media last night. In a health bulletin issued at 6:30 pm on Monday, the hospital had said that next 24 hours are crucial for Kalaignar's health.
The 94-year-old five-time Tamil Nadu chief minister was being continuously monitored and treated with active medical support, a press release issued by the hospital said.
“There has been a decline in the medical condition of DMK president and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. Maintaining his vital organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age related ailments,” it said. “His response to the medical interventions over the next 24 hours will determine the prognosis,” Executive Director of the Hospital Dr Aravindan Selvaraj said in the terse two-paragraph release.
Here are the live updates:
Latest video:
07:10 am: DMK leader Kanimozhi meets people gathered outside Chennai's Kauvery hospital where his father and former Tamil Nadu CM M Karunanidhi is undergoing treatment. The hospital stated a decline in his medical condition yesterday.
DMK leader Kanimozhi meets people gathered outside Chennai's Kauvery hospital where his father and former Tamil Nadu CM M Karunanidhi is undergoing treatment. The hospital stated a decline in his medical condition yesterday. pic.twitter.com/sQaYWIyrAp
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
06:50 am:
Latest visuals from outside Chennai's Kauvery hospital where former Tamil Nadu CM M Karunanidhi is undergoing treatment. The hospital stated a decline in his medical condition yesterday pic.twitter.com/PXCIVPoMzo
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
06:30 am: A massive crowd of DMK supporters, which had gathered outside the hospital after the medical bulletin last night, stayed overnight.
Press release from Kauvery Hospital. pic.twitter.com/eI74y7NRGd
— KalaignarKarunanidhi (@kalaignar89) August 6, 2018
Soon after the news of a decline in Karunanidhi’s condition spread, hundreds of his supporters gathered outside the hospital, including a large number of women, some failing to control their tears, others waving at the TV cameras, preparing for an overnight vigil at the facility in downtown Alwarpet.
Outside visuals from Chennai's Kauvery hospital where DMK chief M Karunanidhi is admitted. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/TQLSwBqOfE
— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2018
Karunanidhi was admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital on July 28 following a dip in blood pressure, which stabilised following medical intervention. The hospital had, however, said on July 31 that an extended stay could be necessary due to age-related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters.
A host of dignitaries and political leaders, including President Ram Nath Kovind Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have visited the hospital over the last few days to inquire about the condition of the DMK veteran.
Today visited Kauvery hospital Chennai to see senior leader Sri M Karunanidhi ji. I enquired about his health and wished for his speedy recovery: Nitin Gadkari tweeted on Monday
On Sunday, President Ram Nath Kovind visited Karunanidhi and wished him a speedy recovery.
"Visited Thiru Karunanidhi, met Kalaignar's family members and doctors, and inquired about his health. Wishing the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a veteran of our public life, a quick recovery," Kovind tweeted.
Earlier, former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Deve Gowda also visited Kauvery Hospital and enquired about Karunanidhi's health.
On Thursday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed Karunanidhi a born fighter. He made the remark after visiting Karunanidhi at the hospital.
(With inputs from agencies)