CALCUTTA: Former Chief Minister of West Bengal Buddhadeb Bhattacharya He was admitted to a hospital in southern Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon because his respiratory problems worsened and his health condition is considered critical, authorities said.
Bhattacharya, 76, tested negative for Covid-19, they said.
He has been put on respiratory support in the private hospital’s intensive care unit, the sources said.
“Mr Bhattacharya’s RT-PCR test showed that he was negative for Covid and that is good news. The CT scan of his brain showed old lacunar infarcts. He is under treatment at the UCC,” said a senior hospital official.
“He is currently on non-invasive ventilation (BIPAP) and maintains 95 percent oxygen saturation. It remains critical, but responds to current treatment,” he added.
Bhattacharya’s pulse and blood pressure are stable and the political veteran is taking intravenous antibiotics and other supportive medications, a statement released by the hospital said.
His oxygen saturation deteriorated to 70 percent in the morning and he lost consciousness, after which he was rushed to hospital.
A two-member team of senior physicians was formed to monitor the health status of the veteran CPM leader.
Bhattacharya, who was the prime minister of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011, has been suffering from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and other old age-related ailments for quite some time.
He had resigned from the CPM politburo, the central committee and the secretary of state in 2018.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concern about Bhattacharya’s health condition and prayed for his speedy recovery.
“Concerned to hear that former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has been hospitalized with respiratory problems. Praying for his speedy recovery and wishing him well,” she said.
Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar also wished him a speedy recovery.
The state minister for urban development, Firhad Hakim, visited the hospital and spoke with the doctors.
After speaking with the doctors, Hakim briefed the chief minister on Bhattacharya’s current health condition.
CPM Secretary of State Surjya Kanta Mishra urged people to cooperate with the hospital authorities.
“Comrade Buddhadeb Bhattacharya has been admitted for treatment of the acute exacerbation of his respiratory problems in Woodland. Visitors are not allowed now. Supporters are requested to cooperate with the hospital authority to maintain strict discipline in this regard,” tweeted. .
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