The cartoonist was admitted in a Pune hospital last week due to multi-organ failure and urine infection
In what may offer respite to millions of fans across the country, the health of veteran cartoonist RK Laxman (95) has been told to be improving, only if marginally. The nonagenarian has been admitted in Pune-based Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital since a week now, after he developed a urine infection following multi-organ failure. He was on a mechanical ventilator in the super-specialty intensive care unit at the hospital since December 17.
The good news is that he has been taken off life support, said doctors. “His health has marginally improved and he is breathing on his own and does not require mechanical ventilatory assistance,” said Dr Sameer Jog, Intensivist at the hospital.
The doctors said that his blood pressure and his heart condition had shown improvement. After his kidneys had deteriorated, Laxman was on dialysis treatment.
“He still needs dialysis, as his kidney function remains sub-optimal,” said Dr Jog. Laxman is being fed through a feeding tube. While earlier he was under sedation, he is no more unconscious.
Dr Jog said, “Though there is some improvement in his level of consciousness but he is not able to communicate.”
After admission, Laxman was on drugs to maintain his blood pressure and renal replacement therapy to treat his kidneys.
In 2010, Laxman had suffered from strokes that had affected the right side of his body and slurred his speech. However, he continued to sketch his iconic signature cartoon of 'the common man,' over the past fifty years and even after suffering from stroke that prevented him from talking much. Even though he continues to be an employee of The Times of India at the ripe old age, he had ceased to sketch political cartoons after his health started failing.
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