Former CPI leader R Nallakannu undergoes treatment for breathing difficulties in Chennai hospital

CHENNAI: The health condition of former CPI secretary R. Nallakannu is undergoing treatment for breathing difficulties at the Rajiv Gandhi Govt General Hospital. He is in intensive care with oxygen support, Health Minister Ma Subramanian said.

His vital parameters are stable, but his condition continues to remain critical, doctors said.On Thursday, Health Minister Ma Subramanian visited the 100-year-old political leader at the hospital and spoke to his family members. Later, he told the media that visitors have been restricted to prevent the spread of infection.On August 22, the Nallakannu was admitted to a private hospital for treatment of injuries to his head and fingers after a fall at his residence.

After a CT scan, doctors there confirmed he did not suffer any grievous head injuries, Subramanian said.

Two days later, he choked on food, developed breathing difficulties, and was referred to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital for further treatment, Subramanian said. He reached the govt hospital at 10:30 pm on August 24. Doctors at the hospital successfully removed the food particles using a bronchoscopy.

He was given life-saving drugs, including antibiotics. Within 48 hours, his condition improved, and oxygen support was withdrawn.

"He recognised most of his family members," Subramanian said.However, late that night, his condition deteriorated, and he developed breathing difficulties again. "He was once again put on oxygen support following wetness in the lungs," Subramanian said. "His condition is stable, and doctors are treating him intensively.

We have restricted entry to visitors in the ICU," he said.The state has also asked a team of Apollo Hospital doctors, including Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist Dr Raj B Singh, to visit Nallakannu in the afternoon for an expert opinion, he said. "We are making all efforts to help the patient. We request political leaders and party men not to visit him at the hospital. A team of doctors will explain Nallakannu's health condition to his well-wishers," he said.