Baba's health turns 'very critical': Safaya

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences director Dr A N Safaya on Thursday described the condition of Sathya Sai Baba as ‘very critical’.

In the medical bulletin released on Thursday evening, Dr Safaya stated “There is very poor response from the vital organs of the body to the treatment being given. Non-functioning of the liver and the intermittent episodes of low blood pressure are persisting indicating that the heart is quite weak. This is a cause for great worry to the doctors.”

“The parameters of the functioning of the various organs of the body are also erratic. Every attempt is being made to keep them in the normal limits by the administration of appropriate drugs,” the SSSIHMS director pointed out. 

Dr Safaya further said the spiritual leader’s breathing was still assisted by the ventilator.

“One successful cycle of slow hemodialysis is conducted during the past 12 hours to assist the functioning of the kidneys,” he stated. 

Doctors are continuing vigorous efforts to make the vital organs recommence their functions. 

Meanwhile, the police presence in Puttaparthi has been intensified with the government sending additional forces to the area.

Earlier in the day, Revenue Minister N Raghuveera Reddy told media persons at the state Secretariat that, “The condition Satya Sai Baba has deteriorated. Most of his organs have suffered severe damage and stopped functioning. Doctors are making attempts to save him. Let us all pray for his well being.”

Mr Raghuveera Reddy was speaking after meeting Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on the spiritual leader’s health.

That meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary SV Prasad, Director General of Police K Aravinda Rao and Additional DGP (Intelligence) M Mahender Reddy.

The officials are believed to have briefed Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy about the security arrangements being put in place in Puttaparthi as devotees are expected to flood into the town on hearing the worsening condition of the godman.

Mr Aravinda Rao also spoke to media persons and said that the police was taking every step cautiously. He said that the police department is careful not to create a sense of uncertainty or confusion by deploying more than the necessary number of forces.

Mr Aravinda Rao said that about a 1000 additional forces have been mobilized and more would be deployed in Puttaparthi ‘if necessary.’