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Former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal tests positive for Covid-19
94-year-old Akali patriarch was suffering from cough, cold and fever when he was admitted to DMCH, Ludhiana
Shiromani Akali Dal patriarch and former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, 94, was admitted to the Hero Heart Institute of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), Ludhiana, after he tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday afternoon.
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Institute medical superintendent Dr Bishav Mohan said that Badal had tested positive in the rapid antigen test, while his RTPCR report was awaited. “Due to his age and comorbidities he falls in the vulnerable group, so it was imperative to admit him and keep under observation for further medical investigation,” said Dr Mohan.
A team led by Dr Rajesh Mahajan, professor of medicine, emergency in-charge and nodal officer for Covid at DMCH and Dr Anil Kumar Kashyap, pulmonologist, were monitoring the health of veteran politician.
In a media release, hospital authorities said Badal was stable and was is in private room area. All necessary investigations for complete evaluation had been sent to the lab.
Late evening, Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal also visited DMC Ludhiana to enquire about the health of his father. In a message on social media, Sukhbir said, “I visited DMC Ludhiana to enquire about Badal Sahib’s health. Spoke to him on video call. Felt good to see him in high spirits. by the grace of Guru Sahib. I’m flooded with calls from his well-wishers. He is doing well, thanks for all your prayers.”
Recently, the party had shared the picture of Badal during a door-to-door election campaign in his home turf, Lambi. In the pictures, seldom was he seen with a mask.
Senior Akali leader Maheshinder Singh Grewal said Badal had been suffering from cough, cold and fever for the past few days. As news of the Badal’s hospitalisation spread, Akali workers started gathering at the heart institute.
