Jayalalithaa is interacting with us, say Apollo doctors

She continues to be under observation for all vital parameters, hospital says in first statement in over 10 days

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa is interacting and showing progressing, Apollo Hospitals said on Friday.

Apollo Hospitals, in which the Chief Minister was admitted on September 22, said that she is continues to be under treatment and observation for all vital parameters, respiratory support and passive physiotherapy.

The team of experts of the critical care group, consisting of senior cardiologists, senior respiratory physicians, senior consultants of the Infectious Diseases Department, senior endocrinologists and diabetologist have been providing treatment and care to the Chief Minister, the hospital management said in the statement.

"The Chief Minister is interacting (with the doctors) and progressing gradually," said Dr N Sathyabhama, director medical services, Apollo Hospitals.

After Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on September 22, the institution had been issuing a medical bulletin about her condition at regular intervals, but had stopped after its last bulletin on October 10. In that, the hospital had said Jayalithaa was under constantly being monitored by intensivists and other consultants.

Today after a gap of about 10 days, it sent out a release.

The 68-year-old chief minister was admitted to the hospital on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration. A specialist from London along with a three-member team of doctors from AIIMS, Delhi, had examined her, and treated for infection with respiratory support was initiated.

While she continues the Chief Minister of the State, Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao has allotted the portfolios held by Jayalalithaa including Home and Police, to Finance Minister O Panneerselvam, till she resumes official duties.