As Jaya ails, Amma merchandise a big hit outside Apollo hospital in Chennai

Chennai, Oct 15: There is a lot of activity outside Apollo Hospital in Chennai where Tamil Nadu chief minister if undergoing treatment. While there is tension among Jayalalithaa's supporters, there are some who have decided to make a quick buck.

Vendors have set up shops selling 'Amma' merchandise. These include pens, pendants, rings, postcards, envelopes and posters. These vendors make around Rs 2,000 a day.

Many who come to the hospital to find about their Amma's health end up buying merchandise from these vendors. There has also been a heavy demand for head bands, wallets and chains.

The cost of such merchandise ranges from anything between Rs 20 to Rs 150. The cost of a pen is Rs 20 and it is in high demand. The next item which sells the most is the Amma key chain which is priced at Rs 30.

Prayers being offered

While on one side the vendors are making a quick buck, there are scores of followers and well-wishers who have been offering prayers outside the hospital. Some of the followers have not left the area for the past five days.

On Friday, tension reached sky high as the hospital did not release any medical bulletin.

The London based critical care expert Richard Beale was called in once again. Nitish Naik, professor of cardiology at AIIMS also was present at the hospital along with his colleagues, G C Khilnani and Anjan Trisha.

The hospital is also likely to call in a set of experts from Singapore. They are likely to arrive in Chennai on Sunday night.

On Friday, former governor and a close friend, K Rosaiah visited the Apollo hospital. He said that she is responding well to treatment. "I hope she recovers from all ailments. I am sure that my prayers are answered and God will give her good health," he said outside the hospital.

OneIndia News