Karunanidhi stable: Hospital (Roundup)

DMK President M. Karunanidhi, who had a slight health setback a couple of days ago and was rushed to hospital in the small hours of Saturday following a dip in blood pressure, was stable, the hospital said in late night bulletin.

"DMK President and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M. Karunanidhi's health continues to remain stable with ongoing medical support. He is being continiously monitored and treated by a panel of expert doctors in the ICU," said a medical bulletin issued in the night by Kauvery hospital, where he was admitted.

The hospital said in the morning that the 94-year-old leader was admitted into the intensive care unit (ICU) at 1.30 a.m. after his blood pressure dropped.

"His blood pressure has been stabilised since with medical management. He continues to be monitored and treated by a panel of expert doctors," Kauvery Hospital's Executive Director Aravindan Selvaraj said.

The five time former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has been suffering from urinary tract infection and age-related ailments and was earlier under treatment at his home.

A large number of DMK cadres gathered outside the hospital and a huge contingent of policemen was deployed for security.

During the day, leaders from various political parties including Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mukul Wasnik, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit and AMMK T.T.V. Dhinakaran called at the hospital to enquire about Karunanidhi's health.

They met M.K. Stalin, DMK's Working President and Karunanidhi's son and his daughter Kanimozhi, who breifed them about his health.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted his wishes for speedy recovery of Karunanidhi. The entire family of Karunanidhi including his other son M.K.Alagiri, daughter Selvi and grand children were present at the hospital.

Speaking to reporters earlier in the day outside the hospital, DMK leader A. Raja urged the party cadres to remain calm and said: "Karunanidhi's blood pressure is now normal and there is nothing to worry".

A team of doctors had reached Karunanidhi's home about midnight and reviewed his condition. They then decided to shift him to the hospital after discussions with the family members.

On Friday DMK leader and Karunanidhi's son M.K. Stalin said there "is good improvement in the health condition of Kalaignar" as the infection had come down a lot.

On Thursday, in a statement issued by the Kauvery Hospital, the Executive Director said the DMK patriarch was under treated for fever due to urinary tract infection with intravenous antibiotics and fluids.

"He is being monitored and treated round the clock by a team of medical and nursing professionals, who are providing hospital-level care at his home," Selvaraj said.

Earlier Karunanidhi was admitted to the same hospital for change of the tracheostomy tube.

--IANS

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