Oldest man Habib Miya gets hip replacement

Jaipur, Sep 15 (UNI) India's oldest man Habib Miya has been operated upon for hip replacement here today and is on the path to recovery.

Habib Miya, who completed 136 years on May 20 this year, was admitted to the orthopaedic trauma ward at the government-run Sawai Mansingh Hospital on wednesday. His hip bone was fractured when he slipped and fell down while going to the bathroom on tuesday.

Habib Miya is now recuperating at the hospital's surgical orthopaedic ICU.

Orthopaedic Dr R K Varma, who operated upon Habib Miya today morning, told UNI the major hip replacement operation took one hour to complete and it is being hoped that Habib Miya will be able to walk again.

Dr Varma said''He will need physiotherapy but we hope to make him stand upright within the next two days. His blood pressure and heart is normal. He was given spinal anaesthesia and was quite spirited during the entire operation as he was conscious and said he wished to walk again.'' Dr Varma was a bit apprehensive about Habib Miya's age, and fluctuating blood pressure, but the operation went off well.

Dr Varma said he was surprised over the number of well-wishing calls he received for Habib Miya.

Dr Varma said ''the callers were both hindus and muslims, saying they are ready to help with funds as they don't want city's dear old man to be crippled.'' A Limca Book of Records Holder, Habib Miya used to work as a musician with the Jaipur's erstwhile Maharaja's band.

UNI RRT SP VA VV1506