CM to head to US for treatment next week

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan is likely to go for treatment in the US early next week. The CM disclosed this to his cabinet colleagues after the cabinet meeting held on Thursday.

Sources said though the CM said he would be leaving to the US soon, the exact date was not shared with ministers. There was no mention about who would be holding charge in his absence during the brief chat. The office of the CM didn’t confirm the information with the officials saying that they were unaware of the development.

The chief minister had planned to go for treatment in the US on August 19. He was slated to be admitted at the Mayo Clinic for a 15-day treatment. However, with the state witnessing unprecedented natural calamity, the CM postponed his visit. He was actively engaged in holding review meetings and monitoring the control room during those days.

Sources said the medical advice Vijayan had received during his previous visit to the clinic was to immediately do the treatment and hence postponing the trip for long was not advisable.

The appointment at the clinic was rescheduled for the coming week, it is reliably learnt. The CM will be away for around 20 days from the state for treatment, said sources. His wife Kamala will be accompanying him and the trip has received clearance from the Union government.

The state government will reimburse the travel and treatment expenses.