Karunanidhi’s health declines, maintaining vital organ functions a challenge: Chennai hospital

Kauvery Hospital, where former chief minister M Karunanidhi is currently admitted, has said in a medical bulletin that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) patriarch’s condition has "declined".

“There has been a decline in the medical condition of Kalaignar Dr M Karunanidhi, DMK president and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Maintaining his vital organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age-related ailments,” the statement released to the press says.

“He is on continuous monitoring and being treated with active medical support. His response to the medical interventions over the next 24 hours will determine his prognosis,” the press release adds.

Press release from Kauvery Hospital. pic.twitter.com/eI74y7NRGd

— KalaignarKarunanidhi (@kalaignar89) August 6, 2018

Karunanidhi, who was being treated for fever due to urinary tract infection, was admitted to the hospital in Chennai early on July 28.

The 94-year-old former chief minister was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at 1:30 am. The hospital in a statement had said he was brought there after his blood pressure had dropped. He has remained in the hospital since then.

Also read: Karunanidhi dead - LIVE updates: Sunset at DMK as patriarch Kalaignar passes away at 94

On Sunday, President Ram Nath Kovind visited Karunanidhi at the hospital and wished him a speedy recovery.

Several political leaders, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Kerala CM and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar, among others have visited Karunanidhi in recent weeks to enquire about his health.

I visited Kalaignar today. Wonderful to see that the Tamil fighting spirit that has endeared him to millions, is still strong! I join his fans all around the world, his well wishers and his family, in wishing him a speedy recovery. #Karunanidhi pic.twitter.com/3QEv9myfCn

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 31, 2018

Security has been tightened at the former chief minister's residence in Gopalapuram and the hospital in Chennai as DMK cadres kept pouring in.

For around two years, the DMK president has not been making any public appearance due to his ill-health, but he still holds the top post in the Dravidian party. His son, MK Stalin, has been leading the party as working president.

Karunanidhi, who is addressed as 'Kalaignar' (artiste) by his supporters, followers and some politicians, entered his 50th year as party chief in July.