Jayalalithaa likely to be discharged soon and take charge: Kerala Governor

Chennai: Kerala Governor P Sathasivam, who was visiting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalaltihaa at Apollo Hospital in Chennai on Monday, said that she is ‘likely to be discharged within a short period’ and could soon take charge of the state machinery.

A stream of high profile visitors, including the Kerala Governor and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called on the ailing chief minister who has been in hospital since September 22 following complaints of fever and dehydration.

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Vijayan, accompanied by Sathasivam, visited the hospital and held discussions with hospital CMD Prathap Reddy.

"We met Dr Pathap Reddy and other doctors providing treatment to the Chief Minister. The specialists informed us that she was getting good response from the treatment," Sathasivam told reporters.

"And within a short period, she is likely to be discharged and it is possible for her to take charge of administration. We also pray for her speedy recovery," he said.

Vijayan said they had come to "convey the collective good wishes of the people of Kerala."

Meanwhile, Apollo hospital said in a release that Jayalalithaa continues to be under treatment and is being "constantly monitored" by the intensivists and the other consultants in the expert panel.” Necessary respiratory support, antibiotics, nutrition, supportive therapy and passive physiotherapy were being given to her, the statement added.

The update comes even as one of the AIIMS doctors, who had examined her last week, visited her again yesterday and on Monday.

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"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," the hospital's Chief Operating Officer, Subbiah Viswanathan, said in a release.

Khilnani, part of a three-member AIIMS panel which examined Jayalalithaa last week, had discussions with the expert panel of the hospital and "concurred with the present line of treatment" being given to the chief minister, the release said.

Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi also visited the hospital and said she was informed by Reddy that Jayalalithaa was "progressing."

"He said Amma is under very good care and that she is progressing. I would like to pray for her to keep progressing. I have come here due to absolute respect as a neighbour as Puducherry is a neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu and it is my duty to be here," she said.

Bedi, who assumed charge in May, said she had wanted to meet the Chief Minister, especially to place a request for land for the expansion of Puducherry airport.

She said she was looking forward to meet Jayalalithaa and hoped for such a meeting to happen soon.

"Doctor is the best judge, last word for the patient. So, we should make no guesses, conjectures and we have no choice but to trust and respect what the doctor says," she said.

"We all are praying and our respect and regards are with the people of Tamil Nadu in this big hour of challenge," she said.

Elsewhere, party workers and supporters continued to hold prayers across the state in different places of worship for Jayalalithaa's speedy recovery.