Bhattarai's health improving: Docs

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: Former Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai (87), undergoing treatment at Norvic International Hospital, was shifted to the Critical Care Unit today following reports of an infection in the respiratory system. He had fever yesterday.

Doctors involved in his treatment said that infections in his kidney and respiratory system had an adverse effect on his heart, so he was brought to the CCU where he was put on oxygen and monitored closely.

“Yesterday Bhattarai’s breathing was heavy and he had fever. He was also dull and drowsy. So we decided to shift him to the CCU. Overnight we monitored him closely. He was put on oxygen and a urine catheter was inserted,” said Dr Bharat Rawat.

He further said, “Today his reports are better. His overall condition is a shade better, though still critical because of multiple problems and age. He is conscious and speaks when asked. He will be closely monitored for the next 48 hours.”

“He will be shifted to the general ward if his condition remains normal,” said Dr Shyam Bahadur Pandey.

Bhattarai is suffering from chronic congestive heart failure, chronic renal failure and bronchitis and visits the hospital almost every couple of months.

“He is eating little. He had little rice today morning and spinach soup in the afternoon,” according to Amita Kapali, Kishunji’s caretaker.

Kishunji was hospitalised with abnormal blood reports, loss of appetite, fever and swelling on the feet on Feb 10.

“As the number of visitors rose and he himself walked out to chew betel leaf, he suffered infection,” said sources quoting Kapali.

In a message sent through Dr Pandey to visiting media persons at the hospital, Kishunji said, “I will live another thirteen years at least to make a century.”

Dozens of well-wishers had visited the hospital but were not allowed to see him and returned with the message that he was improving.

Gokarna Giri (83), a Nepali Congress activist from Rukum, visited the hospital. Talking to this daily the NC activist said, “I read about his admission in the hospital in a newspaper and came here straight but I could not see him.”

He described him as a firm and determined leader. “He promised not to marry until democracy was introduced,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pilot Baba, Kishunji’s religious guru sent a message to Kishunji over telephone from Uttaranchal state of India that he would be well in three or four days.

“Pilot Baba’s words are powerful and becomes reality. Last year also, he had predicted that Kishunji would recover despite the doctor’s warning regarding his health ,” said Tanka Nath Paudel, a well wisher.

Dr Rawat, Dr Pandey, and Rishi Kafle are attending Kishunji.

Kishunji, who made public his autobiography Mero Ma (My Myself) on his 87th birthday on January 2, had also undergone major treatment at the same hospital in June 2010.