Bismillah Khan's liver not functioning normally

Varanasi, Aug 17 (UNI) Doctors treating ailing shehnai legend Ustad Bismillah Khan here at a private hospital, today declared his condition as stable, although his liver was not functioning normally.

Vice Chairman of Heritage Hospital Siddharth Rai told newspersons here this afternoon, the condition of Khan Sahib, admitted at the intensive care unit (ICU), was stable and under control.

''All his vital parameters are normal, but the higher bilirubin factor suggest his liver is not functioning normally. Preliminary tests have revealed his bilirubin factor stood at 2.3 against the normal of 1.3. More tests including a liver ultrasound will be conducted soon to reach to a final conclusion,'' he added.

A team of doctors led by nephrologist D K Sinha and cardiologist A K Pandey is treating Khan Sahib.

Dr Rai said Khan Sahib had been admitted to the hospital at 0915 hrs today, largely owing to electrolyte imbalance actuated by his inability to take food orally for the last 15 days. His blood pressure was normal.

A colour doppler test will be carried out to gauge the status of the shehnai wizard's heart.

The Hospital Vice Chairman also clarified Khan Sahib was talking in monosyllables and there was no need to put him on life support system.

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