Chennai: An ambulance quietly made its way into Apollo Hospitals on the ever-busy Greams Road in the heart of Chennai at around 9 pm on September 22 and the patient in it was Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. She was reportedly unconscious at the time of admission and was revived at the Emergency ward before being wheeled into the Critical Care Unit, which became out of bounds for even hospital insiders till she was shifted to a special room nearly two months later.
The Apollo Hospitals suppressed the flow of information in the initial days by claiming that she was admitted with complaints of fever and dehydration.
Everyone knew there was more than what was being said in the official medical bulletins released by the government’s public relations wing and the doubts about her failing health gained credence after Dr Richard Beale, a top-notch Intensivist Specialist, was flown in from London to treat it.
It was only on October 2, the Apollo Hospitals admitted that Chief Minister was being treated for “infection” and that she was advised to stay in the hospital for a few more days and only after this, the flow of information was steady, though regulated. Apollo Hospitals Chairman Prathap C Reddy had said more than once that the Chief Minister has recovered completely and that she can go home whenever she wished. But the end came 75 days after she was rushed to the hospital following a cardiac arrest.
From September 22 to December 5
September 22: Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospitals in Chennai with fever and dehydration. The hospital said in a statement that she was stable and under observation.
September 23: "Puratchi Thalaivi Amma is well and taking normal diet - Apollo hospital," AIADMK had said in a tweet.
September 25: Apollo Hospitals rubbished rumours on social media that the CM would be taken abroad for treatment. It said that she would be discharged from the hospital in a few days.
September 27: The CM resumed her official duties from the hospital. AIADMK tweeted that she convened a meeting between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm at Apollo Hospitals on the interim directions issued by the Supreme Court on the Cauvery
River water issue with Karnataka.
September 29: AIADMK tweeted Apollo Hospitals’ statement saying Amma responded well to the treatment, but has been advised to stay a few more days in the hospital for treatment.
October 1: Dr. Richard John Beale, a specialist was flown in from England; Tamil Nadu Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao visits J Jayalalithaa at the hospital.
October 2: The Apollo Hospitals said in a statement that Dr. Richard Beale, who was flown in from London on September 30, had a detailed discussion with the expert group of doctors treating the CM. They concluded that she should continue the present medication to treat the infection. The statement said she was advised to stay in the hospital for a few more days.
October 4: AIIMS doctors flown into Chennai to treat Jayalalithaa
October 12: According to AIADMK, Ms Jayalalithaa gave verbal consent to her eight portfolios being assigned to the state’s Finance Minister O Panneerselvam while she was recovering at the hospital.
November 4: The CM showed considerable improvement in her health, and was likely to be shifted from the critical care unit (CCU) to a room in Apollo Hospitals.
November 12: J Jayalalithaa’s lung infection is now fully under control and she can leave whenever she feels fit, the chairman of Apollo Hospitals stated.
November 13: After being treated for almost 40 days, the CM came out with the first statement through a signed letter where she said she has taken a ‘rebirth’ and is eager to resume her duties soon. She also thanked all those who prayed for her and for their immense love.
November 22: Following the win of AIADMK in the by-polls, Amma, in a statement from the hospital said, "The by-poll victory gives me boundless joy and enthusiasm. The victory proves yet again that people are on my side. My work will continue in tune with people’s expectations."
November 25: The Chairman of Apollo Hospitals said that Jayalalithaa was recuperating normally and was speaking for a few minutes using a speaker as her tracheostomy tube was still on.
December 4: Jayalalithaa suffers a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening.
December 6: Apollo Hospital releases statement at 12.15 am stating that she has passed away
