Ex-West Bengal CM Buddhadeb remains critical

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya remained critical on July 31 as he continued to be on mechanical ventilation, doctors treating him said.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya remained critical on July 31 as he continued to be on mechanical ventilation, doctors treating him said.

Mr. Bhattacharya, 79, underwent a CT scan of his thorax in the morning, they said.

"Mr. Bhattacharya's health condition is critical but stable. He is still on invasive ventilation. We have conducted a CT scan of his thorax this morning. He is responding to treatment," a senior doctor, who is a part of the multidisciplinary team that is treating him, said.

The veteran CPI(M) leader is likely to undergo a few tests later in the day, which will help in ascertaining the severity of the infection in his lungs that landed him in the hospital on July 29 afternoon.

The medical team would evaluate their next course of action depending on the test results, the doctor said.

"His blood pressure and oxygen saturation in the blood are at satisfactory levels, but he is still not out of danger. His lungs were badly affected after he was infected by coronavirus. We are trying to evaluate that as well. We have to wait for another 24 hours," he said.

Mr. Bhattacharya was rushed to the Woodlands Hospital in Alipore with breathing troubles, and he was diagnosed with lower respiratory tract infection and 'Type 2' respiratory failure. He has been suffering from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and other age-related ailments.