PM visits ailing Basu, offers help

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday offered to fly in the country's top doctors to help in the treatment of former West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu, who is battling for life in a Kolkata hospital.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, visited the AMRI hospital in Salt Lake where the 96-year-old CPM leader was admitted last Friday with complaints of breathing trouble. Apart from enquiring about Basu's condition from the doctors, he also spoke to the ailing leader's son, Chandan Basu, offering him all help in the treatment.

There has been no significant improvement in Basu's 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 Basu's 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 Basu's 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 father's 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.

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