Mahajan critical: Doctors say '' a cause of concern''

Mumbai, Apr 25: Doctors striving hard to save wounded BJP leader Pramod Mahajan aired concern over his health which continued to be critical for the fourth day today with ''no signs of improvement overnight.'' Mr Mahajan has been kept on high-level ventilator support and medication to control his blood pressure at Hinduja hospital where his sympathisers and admirers thronged, wishing him a speedy recovery.

The 56-year-old BJP leader remained on dialysis as his kidneys functioned poorly for the second consecutive day.

''The last 24 hours status quo remains,''Hospital spokesperson Dr Anupam Verma said.

''Mr Mahajan's condition is still critical... there is no improvement overnight...he is on high level ventilatory support and medication to control his blood pressure.'' Mr Mahajan has been battling for life in the hospital since Saturday morning when he was grievously wounded, allegedly by his younger brother Pravin who pumped three bullets into his body, shattering his liver, pancreas and intestine.

Nearly 72 hours after Mr Mahajan was operated upon for grievous gunshot injuries, his condition remains critical and ''is a cause of concern'', Dr Verma said.

When asked whether the BJP leader had opened his eyes after the second surgery on Sunday evening, Dr Verma said, ''No because he is under heavy sedation.'' On the role of British doctors, the hospital Director (adminstration) said a team of British and Hinduja hospital doctors is jointly monitoring the condition closely.

UNI