Union Minister for Urban Development Venkaiah Naidu visited Apollo Hospital in Chennai on Sunday, where Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is admitted. Speaking to reporters after his visit, Naidu said, “Doctors have briefed me in detail about the treatment procedure. Doctors assure me that Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is responding to the treatment.” He also appealed to people to not spread rumours about the 68-year-old leader’s health.
Naidu, like other political visitors was unable to visit the Chief Minister, who has been receiving treatment for the over two weeks.
The Union Minister’s visit comes two days after Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi flew into Chennai on a ‘surprise visit’ to show support to the ailing AIADMK leader.
Former Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss also visited the Greames Road Hospital on Sunday to enquire about the CM’s health. The PMK leader said he had spoken to the doctors treating Jayalalithaa and they had told him that all her vital parameters were normal.
Speaking to reporters outside the hospital, Ramadoss said, “The Chief Minister is currently on assisted respiratory support” and added that she would need to be in the hospital for at least another week.
The Dharmapuri MP said that he had met Finance Minister O Panneerselvam and Health Minister Vijaya Bhaskar at the hospital. “As a doctor I am satisfied with the treatment regiment. I believe the Governor can be more active and help in ensuring efficient governance,” Ramadoss noted.
Saturday saw a number of political leaders including Leader of Opposition and DMK Treasurer MK Stalin visit the hospital.
Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai late on September 22. She is presently being treated for “respiratory disorder and infection”. A medical bulletin on Saturday noted that the Chief Minister continues to be under constant monitoring by a panel of doctors that includes the intensivists and consultants. “The respiratory support is closely watched and adjusted. Lungs decongestion treatment is being continued. All other comprehensive measures including nutrition, supportive therapy and passive physiotherapy are underway,” read the bulletin on the CM’s treatment.