Vajpayee fully conscious and breathing on his own: AIIMS

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is undergoing treatment for a chest infection at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), is reported to be fully conscious and breathing on his own.

New Delhi, Feb 15 : Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is undergoing treatment for a chest infection at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), is reported to be fully conscious and breathing on his own.

Dr. Sampath Kumar, Chief of the hospital's Cardio Thoracic Vascular Sciences Department, said on Sunday, "We will monitor his condition for two to three days before taking any decision on removing his ventilator support permanently."

Vajpayee, after undergoing a tracheotomy surgery for smoother airway management was kept on a minimal ventilator support on February 13.

'Tracheotomy' is a surgical procedure in which a cut or opening is made in the windpipe allowing air to get to the lungs.

The 84-year-old BJP leader was admitted to the AIIMS on February 3 with complaints of fever and chest congestion. It was later diagnosed that he was suffering from respiratory tract infection.

When Vajpayee's condition deteriorated on the evening of February 6, he had to be put on mechanical ventilator support.

Several prominent leaders, including Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani have conveyed their best wishes for Vajpayee's speedy recovery.

ANI