Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa interacting and progressing gradually: Apollo Hospital

CHENNAI: Almost a month after she was hospitalised, Apollo Hospitals today for the first time said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa "is interacting", a key indicator of improvement in her physical condition. "The Honourable Chief Minister is interacting and progressing gradually," Director of Medical Services, Apollo Hospitals, Dr N Sathyabhama said in a press release. She said Jayalalithaa "continues to be under treatment and observation for all vital parameters, respiratory support and passive physiotherapy." Dr Sathyabhama said the team of experts of the critical care group, senior cardiologists, senior respiratory physicians, senior consultants of the infectious diseases department, senior endocrinologist and diabetologist of Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai have been giving treatment and care to her. "The nutrition and the essential nutrient intake are being attended to by senior consultants from the dietary team." In its last medical bulletin on October 10, the hospital had said, "Prof Dr G Khilnani, Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), visited Apollo Hospital again on October 9 and 10 and examined Honourable Chief Minister." It had said that Khilnani, part of a three-member AIIMS panel, had discussions with the hospital's expert panel and "concurred with the present line of treatment" being given to the Chief Minister. Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo hospital on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration. Consultant Intensivist from the UK Dr Richard John Beale had also examined her and deliberated with the Apollo doctors' team on her treatment. Meanwhile, AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathy said Jayalalithaa would be back home "soon". "Amma will be back home very soon. Amma is perfectly all right. She is conscious. She is talking," she said, adding that prayers continued to be offered across the state for her well-being.