DMK Chief Karunanidhi’s Health Worsens, Next 24 Hours Crucial: Hospital

The health of DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, who is admitted in Chennai’s Kauvery hospital for more than a week, has taken a turn for the worse. The hospital said maintaining his vital organ functions remains a challenge in view of his age-related ailments.”He is on continuous monitoring and being treated with active medical support. His response to the medical intervention over the next 24 hours will determine the prognosis,” a statement from the hospital read.

Hospital and DMK sources said Mr Karunanidhi contracted jaundice and is facing difficulty breathing, which is leading to a “fluctuation in his condition”.

The 94-year-old was admitted in hospital on July 28 after he contracted urinary tract infection. After a health scare days later, the doctors had advised a longer stay, citing “age related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters”.

Since then, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkiah Naidu and a number of political leaders across party lines – including Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, actor-politicians Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth — have visited him in the hospital.

Earlier today, Mr Karunanidhi’s wife Dayalu Ammal visited him for the first time since he was hospitalised.