Ex-WB CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharya’s Health Better But Still Critical

He was taken to the hospital on Wednesday afternoon after his breathing-related problems aggravated.

Former West Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

(Photo: PTI)

Former Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya’s health condition has seen an improvement on Thursday, 10 December, morning but the veteran leader is still "critical", The Telegraph reported, quoting hospital sources.

The veteran Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader and former Bengal CM was admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon, after suffering respiratory problems. Bhattacharya has been on ventilator support since then at the critical care unit of the hospital.

“His health condition has improved a bit. He is also maintaining a steady PCO2 level and the reading of which is at 42 this morning. This is normal for COPD patients,” The Telegraph quoted a doctor as saying.

According to reports, 76-year-old Bhattacharya developed difficulty in breathing and his respiratory problems aggravated on Wednesday.

Hospital sources told IANS on Wednesday that the necessary tests were being conducted upon the veteran leader. They have put out a statement saying his cardiac condition, pulse rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation level are currently stable.

"Preliminary investigation, including blood parameters and imaging, didn't show any significant abnormality. Sedation was stopped in the morning as a trial and the patient's sensorium was assessed and found to have improved," it said.

"He will remain on mechanical ventilation for today and the process of gradual withdrawal from the ventilator support is being planned," the statement said, as per PTI.

Health Reviewed By a Team of 7 Doctors

A seven-member team of doctors reviewed the health condition of the veteran CPI(M) leader. Talking about his next course of treatment, a senior doctor said that adequate nutrition and other support is being taken care of, reported PTI.

"As he is still on the ventilator support, the prognosis is guarded and critical. The doctors are keeping a constant vigil on his health condition and taking appropriate measures," he said.

The veteran CPI(M) leader's oxygen saturation level is at around 90-95 per cent, and he has regained consciousness, the doctor said.

Praying for Speedy Recovery: CM Mamata

“Comrade Buddhadeb Bhattacharya has been admitted for treatment of acute exacerbation of his respiratory problems in Woodland. No visitor is being allowed now,” said CPI-M state Secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra.

He said that well-wishers are requested to cooperate with the hospital authority. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said she was praying for his speedy recovery.

“Concerned to hear that former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has been hospitalised with breathing problems. Praying for his speedy recovery and wishing him well,” she tweeted.

Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister

Members of Bhattacharya's family were briefed about his health condition as well.

Bhattacharya tested negative for COVID-19 but the CT scan of his brain showed old lacunar infarcts.

He has been unwell for quite some time as he was suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), as well as other old age-related ailments for quite some time, IANS reported.

(With inputs from The Telegraph, PTI and IANS)