KOLKATA: Former chief minister and CPM veteran Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was admitted to a private hospital in south Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon after he fell unconscious following severe breathing distress. Doctors described his condition as “critical” and said he was suffering from a lung infection.
The oxygen saturation level of the 76-year-old — who has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) — had dropped to 70. He tested negative for Covid, after which he was put on BiPap (non-invasive) ventilation, and later to invasive ventilation when the carbon dioxide levels in his blood spiked.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee visited the hospital in the evening and spoke to doctors, Bhattacharjee’s wife Meera and daughter Suchetana. “All necessary steps are being taken by the doctors, and I wish him a speedy recovery,” she said. “We are with his family at this hour of crisis. He is a former chief minister and we respect him.”
Admitted at the critical care unit of Woodlands Hospital, Bhattacharjee’s oxygen saturation level shot up to 95 with ventilation support. But a CT scan of his chest revealed “old patches of pneumonia”. Considering his COPD, he was immediately put on ventilation and would remain under observation, said Woodlands CEO Rupali Basu.
After the initial BiPap support, Bhattacharjee was shifted to invasive (mechanical) ventilation after a test conducted later in the afternoon revealed “accumulation of carbon dioxide and low PH level”. “Hence, a decision was taken by the clinical expert team to electively ventilate with the consent of family members,” said Basu. “His condition remains critical, though his pulse rate and blood pressure remain normal. He has a history of COPD and receives oxygen support at home. Since the carbon dioxide count in his blood was rising, we decided to put him on ventilation.... It had touched 130, which could have been dangerous. His lungs were not being able to function with BiPap.”
She added that Bhattacharjee was unconscious. Antibiotics, steroids and other supportive medications were being used.
Bhattacharjee is being treated by consultant pulmonologist Koushik Chakraborty and critical care consultant Soutik Panda. A medical board comprising cardiologist Saroj Mondal, pulmonologist Ankan Bandopadhyay and anaesthesiologist Asis Patra has been formed to assist them. “We also sought the services of cardiologist Saroj Mondal of SSKM Hospital, and he has agreed to join the medical board,” added Basu.
CPM leaders Surjyakanta Mishra and Biman Bose also visited the hospital. Mishra later tweeted: “Comrade Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has been admitted for treatment of acute exacerbation of his respiratory problems in Woodland. No visitor is being allowed now. Well-wishers are requested to co-operate with the hospital authority for maintaining strict discipline in this regard.”
Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, who had visited the former chief minister at his home two months ago, also dropped by. “The situation is looking up and he (Bhattacharjee) is stable. I am grateful to the dedicated team of doctors and paramedical staff for their great care and support,” he later said.