PM visits ailing Basu,offers help

There has been no significant improvement in Basus condition with doctors saying that he is still critical. However,his dependence on blood pressure drugs and ventilation was reduced to partial support on Thursday evening.

The Prime Minister had a talk with us. He discussed the details of Jyoti Basus ailment and his treatment. He offered help and asked us whether we need the help of top doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences or any part of the country. He also asked whether the infrastructure here is enough, said A K Maity,consultant cardiologist who heads the team of doctors looking after Basu.

On Basus condition,Maity later said,His age is the only concern. His haemoglobin count has improved and blood pressure in this situation is not bad. But it is a critical case. He has been given a high dose of antibiotics,which has side-effects. It will take some more time for him to respond to the drugs.

Earlier in the afternoon,the Prime Minister had a one-to-one talk with Chandan Basu. I am moved with his gesture. He personally talked to me and inquired after my fathers health. He asked me whether I was satisfied with the treatment here or whether there is a need of bringing in top doctors. He offered any kind of help… any kind, Chandan told The Indian Express.

I told him I am satisfied with the efforts of the doctors here and the infrastructure. My father is being treated very well here, he added. The PM left after spending around 20 minutes in the hospital.

CPM leader Robin Deb stated that the Prime Minister made the doctors consult senior doctors in Delhi regarding Basus ailment and treatment. The doctors here consulted senior doctors in Delhi over the phone,and briefed them about the treatment. I have heard that the medical board here thinks that there is no immediate requirement of calling in doctors from AIIMS, said Deb,emerging from the hospital.

Meanwhile,the team of doctors has restricted movement of top leaders and dignitaries who are visiting Basu. We have allowed the Prime Minister,doctor accompanying the Prime Minister,chief minister and Pranab Mukherjee to get close to the patient. Others were not allowed, said a senior doctor.

Other leaders who visited Basu included CPM general secretary Prakash Karat,politburo members Sitaram Yechury and Brinda Karat. Yechury said: Comrade Basu is a fighter and now he is fighting there.