Pranab Mukherjee’s condition worsens: Hospital

Aditi Tandon 

Tribune News Service 

New Delhi, August 11

Former President Pranab Mukherjee's condition has worsened, Army's Research and Referral hospital said in its latest update on Tuesday. Pranab Mukherjee's condition was critical after the Monday brain surgery at the local R&R Hospital, doctors said.

The medical bulletin issued by the Army R&R hospital earlier said Mukherjee was still on ventilator support after the life-saving major surgery on Monday.

“Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee was admitted to Army Hospital (R&R) Delhi Cantonment at 1207 hours on 10 August 2020 in a critical condition. Workup at the hospital revealed a large brain clot for which he underwent emergency lifesaving surgery. Post surgery he continues to remain critical on ventilatory support. He was also found to be COVID-19 positive,” the bulletin said.

Mukherjee is 84.

The former President had tweeted: "On a visit to the hospital for a separate procedure, I have tested positive for COVID19 today. I request the people who came in contact with me in the last week, to please self isolate and get tested for COVID-19." 

Following his tweet, wishes for an early recovery poured in on Twitter from a large number of people including leaders from across the political spectrum.

President Ram Nath Kovind spoke to Mukherjee's daughter Sharmistha and inquired about his health, the Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted.

A powerful orator and scholar, he had been a Congress stalwart before he was elected as India's 13th President and served from July 2012 to 2017 in the top post.

"We wish former President Pranab Mukherjee a speedy recovery from Covid," the Congress said on its official Twitter handle.

Abhijeet Mukherjee, Congress leader and the former president's son, tweeted, "I wish my father a speedy recovery! I appeal to all my countrymen to pray for his speedy recovery & good health."     

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the R&R Hospital and enquired about the former president's health. Singh was at the hospital for around 20 minutes.

Union minister Piyush Goyal also wished good health for Mukherjee and said he is confident that the former president will quickly recover from the virus.

Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said, "Astonishing and matter of concern that former President Pranab Mukherjee tested positive for COVID per press reports. Very active, regular walker, wish him quick recovery and restful convalescence."  Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot too wished Mukherjee a speedy recovery.

"Wishing Sri Pranab Mukherjee a speedy recovery. I am sure he will be out of this sooner than later," said Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

Concerned to hear about Former President Pranab Mukherjee Da testing positive for #COVID19. My prayers are with him & his family during this time and I wish him a speedy recovery. https://t.co/KbAvxqi7Oz

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 10, 2020

with PTI

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