Oommen Chandy likely to be airlifted to Bengaluru for expert treatment

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who is undergoing treatment at Neyyattinkara Nims Hospital due to pneumonia, may be shifted to Bangalore today for expert treatment. The final decision will be taken after considering the expert opinion of the doctors. He had earlier sought treatment at HCG Multi-Speciality Hospital in Bangalore.

The health department has formed a six-member medical board comprising expert doctors from various departments to supervise the treatment. The medical board held a detailed discussion with the doctors of NIMS Hospital. According to the medical report released by the hospital yesterday, the health condition of the Congress veteran is satisfactory.

Health Minister Veena George visited Oommen Chandy on Tuesday morning. The minister communicated with the doctors and apprised the chief minister. Oommen Chandy's son Chandy Oommen also met the Chief Minister on Tuesday evening and explained the situation. Power Minister K Krishnankutty, Opposition leader VD Satheesan, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, MLAs K Ansalan, CK Harindran, KS Sabrinath and others spoke to the family members at the hospital. As Oommen Chandy is in the ICU, visits are prohibited. His wife Mariyamma Oommen, children Maria Oommen, Chandy Oommen and Achu Oommen are with him in the hospital.

The Office of the Leader of Opposition informed that an air ambulance has been booked for the journey and the decision is to take him to Bangalore on Wednesday or Thursday and the party will bear all the expenses.