Guwahati (Assam), Nov 23 : The health condition of former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi turned “very critical” this morning although he responded to a longer duration of dialysis, state Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
The Congress veteran’s health condition deteriorated on Saturday afternoon, following multi-organ failure and he became unconscious with difficulty in breathing.
Sarma said the doctors had initially planned for four hours of dialysis, but they could continue for six hours. “Because of this six-hour dialysis, a lot of toxic elements could be taken out from his body. We can say this is a positive sign,” he told reporters at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) where Gogoi is admitted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi inquired about his health, his son Gaurav Gogoi said.
“Luckily, we received a new machine on Saturday that can conduct dialysis if a patient is on ventilation. His dialysis was done through that new machine. Two units of blood were also given to him,” he added.
The 84-year-old Congress leader was admitted to GMCH on November 2 with post-COVID complications and was on non- invasive ventilation (NIV). He was put on invasive ventilation on Saturday night as his condition deteriorated.
Speaking to the press, Gaurav said, “Prime Minister Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called me and inquired about his health conditions.” He said many people have visited him and he received calls from various chief ministers and leaders from across the country, inquiring about his father’s health. “Common people are praying everywhere and I think that is giving him strength… We have to fight this battle every day,” said an emotional Gaurav.
( With Agency inputs )