Dasmunsi cannot recognise people, condition remains critical

Ailing Information and Broadcasting minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi has been taken off the life support system but his brain has become dysfunctional after the second cardiac attack he suffered in October last year, say doctors.

Ailing Information and Broadcasting minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi has been taken off the life support system but his brain has become dysfunctional after the second cardiac attack he suffered in October last year, say doctors.

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"He was taken off the life support system in January and shifted to a private room from Intensive Care Unit. Though his respiratory problem has improved, his neurological condition remains the same and he cannot recognise people," said a doctor at the Indraprastha Apollo hospital in New Delhi.

"He is not brain dead but his brain has become dysfunctional following some blockages. This was after the severe cardiac arrest in October last year," the doctor, who spoke strictly on condition of anonymity, told IANS.

His condition continues to be critical, he said.

Dasmunshi, 63, was shifted to Apollo Hospital on Oct 20 from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and his condition is monitored by a team of doctors.

American neurologist Den Henley from Johns Hopkins University was also flown in on the recommendation of the Congress leader's family doctor for expert advice.

He reportedly prescribed a line of treatment if his condition improved.

One of the prominent leaders of the Congress party, Dasmunsi was earlier the parliamentary affairs minister. His ailment has obviously evoked deep concern among party members, who have been making regular enquiries about his health.

Civil aviation minister Praful Patel visited the hospital recently to call on Dasmunshi's wife Deepa, who has been by her husband's side through this long ordeal.