Significant decline in Karunanidhi's health: Hospital

Chennai (Tamil Nadu): Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief M. Karunanidhi's health has significantly declined over the past few hours, as confirmed by the Kauvery Hospital's Executive Director Aravindan Selvaraj on Tuesday.

In a press release, Selvaraj stated, "There has been a significant decline in the clinical conditions of Kalaignar Dr M Karunanidhi over the last few hours. Despite maximum medical support, his vital organ functions continue to deteriorate. His condition is extremely critical and unstable."

DMK supporters gathered outside the hospital following the release about the five-time Chief Minister's deteriorating health.

This is the second consecutive day that reports of Karunanidhi's falling vital signs have been released by the hospital.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is rushing to Chennai. Earlier, several high-profile politicians, including Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and actor-politician Rajinikanth among others, visited the 94-year-old at the hospital, where he was admitted due to declining health conditions.

On July 31, Selvaraj said in an official statement that an extended period of hospitalisation would be necessary due to age-related overall decline in Karunanidhi's general health, altered liver functions and hematological parameters.

The DMK chief was previously admitted in the Kauvery Hospital in December 2016 after he complained of breathing difficulties. He had undergone a tracheostomy, the procedure to enable supply of more oxygen into the lungs.