Former West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's medical condition improved on Monday after physicians withdrew him from mechanical ventilation and placed him on non-invasive support, according to specialists treating him. Bhattacharjee, 79, got a CT scan of his thorax in the morning, which revealed that his health had improved, they claimed, news agency PTI reported.
"Bhattacharjee's health has improved. He is conscious and responding to treatment. He is progressing well. His test reports are also satisfactory and his parameters have also improved," a doctor was quoted by PTI in its report.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that Bhattacharjee waved his hands after spotting her. After visiting Bhattacharjee at the hospital, CM Banerjee stated: "I found him stable as he waved his hands after seeing me. Doctors are doing their best. I would like to thank the hospital for their effort."
"His blood pressure and oxygen saturation are satisfactory, but he is still not out of danger. His lungs were badly affected after he was infected by coronavirus in 2021. In the last 24 hours, his condition improved a lot. We are conducting check-ups on an hourly basis," the doctor said.
Bhattacharya, who was transported to Woodlands Hospital on Saturday after complaining of shortness of breath, was diagnosed with a lower respiratory tract infection and 'Type 2' respiratory failure. He had COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and other age-related problems.
From 2000 until 2011, he was the chief minister of Bengal, a time highlighted by agitations against land acquisition for industries headed by Banerjee.
Bhattacharya has been out of the public eye in recent years due to his poor health and confinement to his Palm Avenue flat.
He was last seen in public when he arrived unexpectedly with oxygen assistance at the Left's rally at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata before of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.