Sai Baba continues to be in critical state

Puttaparthi (AP), April 23: The condition of Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues to remain very critical and his vital organs are showing minimal response to treatment, a senior doctor attending on him said today (April 23).

"Sai Baba's condition is very critical. He is in the ICU and undergoing treatment as he is suffering from multi-organ dysfunction," Dr Ravi Raj, Director of AP Medical Education, told reporters here.

"His heart is very weak. Blood pressure is usually low but is maintained at near normal level through medicines. His liver function is very poor and kidneys are not functioning. So he has to undergo dialysis," the doctor said. He said Sai Baba's intestines are also not functioning properly and he is being fed through the intravenous route.

"As far as his central nerve system and brain functioning is concerned, Sai Baba is on continuous sedation, because he is connected to the vetilator, so it becomes difficult for us to assess his consciousness level accurately," the doctor said.

A team of doctors at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences are monitoring his health round the clock, Ravi Raj said.

The 86-year-old Sai Baba was hospitalised on March 28 following problems related to heart and respiration.

Earlier, State Major Industries Minister J Geetha Reddy told reporters that the Government held a coordiation meeting with hospital doctors, Sai Baba Trust members and the local district administration to make an assessment of Sai Baba's health.

"The Goverment is there to assist in every aspect on whatever suggestion the doctors give on the health condition of Sai Baba," the minister said.

After conclusion of the coordination meeting, authorities said the trust members are likely to brief the media in the evening to clarify reports appearing in a section of the press about the succession to Sai Baba.

PTI