Fernandes’ friends want panel to take care of him

Concerned over the well being and health of ailing JD(U) leader George Fernandes, 20 eminent citizens on Tuesday demanded setting-up of an independent panel to look after him.

Concerned over the well being and health of ailing JD(U) leader George Fernandes, 20 eminent citizens on Tuesday demanded setting-up of an independent panel to look after him.

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In an appeal, signed among others by former Chief Justice of India, M.N. Venkatachaliah and union minister Farooq Abdullah, “long time friends” of Fernandes said the proposed panel should consist of doctors, his long-time colleagues and care-givers, including immediate and extended family.

“We understand he (Fernandes) is being moved from place to place and decisions on his well-being are arbitrarily being taken by people who are not familiar with the treatment of his ailments. This is bound to have a severe adverse impact on his mind and body,” said the statement.

“We are deeply distressed at the events of the last few weeks, which diminish the image of a great man, who due to a debilitating illness is unable to defend himself or express himself publicly,” it stated.

The move comes shortly allegations levelled by Fernandes’s brother and his friends that they have not been allowed access to the veteran leader by his immediate family — wife Leila Kabir and his son Sean.

Fernandes’ wife and son had admitted him to a private hospital in December last.