Buddhadeb in hospital after respiratory problem, Mamata pays visit

Veteran Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya was admitted to a private hospital here on Wednesday after respiratory problems.

According to reports, the 76-year-old Bhattacharya developed difficulty in breathing and his respiratory problems aggravated this afternoon. He been unwell for quite some time as he was suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), as well as other old age-related ailments for quite some time.

"Comrade Buddhadeb Bhattacharya has been admitted for treatment of acute exacerbation of his respiratory problems in Woodland. No visitor is being allowed now," said CPI-M state Secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra, requesting well-wishers to co-operate with the hospital authority.

Hospital sources said that a six-member medical expert team is looking after Bhattacharya. The oxygen saturation level was low in his body at admission and he was kept on mechanical ventilation at the hospital, they said, adding that he is responding to medical treatment and is stable now.

Necessary tests were also conducted upon the veteran communist leader at the hospital's flu-clinic, they said.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid a visit to the veteran leader.


"I wish him a speedy recovery. He was the Chief Minister of Bengal and I respect him a lot. The state government will provide all necessary arrangements as and when they ask. I thank all the doctors and medical staffs at the hospital. We all are there by his family," she said while visiting the hospital this evening.

She had said that she was praying for his speedy recovery.

"Concerned to hear that former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has been hospitalised with breathing problems. Praying for his speedy recovery and wishing him well," she tweeted. - IANS