Abhishek health grim, says hospital

TT, Calcutta, Oct. 23: The health condition of Trinamul MP Abhishek Banerjee has been described as "grim" by officials at Belle Vue Clinic where he is being treated after a car crash near Singur on October 18.

According to a medical bulletin released by the hospital today, Abhishek, the nephew of chief minister Mamata Banerjee, was suffering from fever, body ache and was on oxygen support.

The reports of certain investigations, including eye tests, had been "satisfactory" but doctors were worried about the Diamond Harbour MP's fluctuating heart rate, the bulletin said.

"On the night of 21st and the wee hours of 22nd October, his (Abhishek Banerjee) heart rate was fluctuating causing concern for all. The eye test and other tests that he had been through resulted in satisfactory reports causing some relief to, however, a grim overall situation," the bulletin by Belle Vue Clinic stated today.

The heart rate, which had fallen on Friday night, had been controlled with medicines, doctors said.

"....while his fever, body ache and support of oxygen still continues, he is still feeling the effect of trauma which he had undergone on October 18 causing a lot of anxiety amongst the medical board," the bulletin mentioned.

It also said a decision would soon be taken on when to conduct a surgery on Abhishek's face where there was a swelling.

The MP had suffered an orbital floor fracture and had received 19-20 stitches beneath the left eye. The orbital floor is a bone located below the eye.

Abhishek was admitted to Belle Vue Clinic on October 18 after the Mahindra Scorpio he was travelling in as part of a convoy met with an accident on the national highway near Singur while he was returning from Murshidabad.

Mamata, who has been visiting the hospital every day, was there for a long time this evening.

Abhishek was shifted to a special critical care room yesterday. Hospital officials said those entering the room have to wear special gear to prevent the spread of infection.