Former President Pranab Mukherjee on ventilator support after brain surgery, tests coronavirus positive

Former President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday underwent brain surgery at a military hospital here, and he tested positive for Covid-19 prior to the procedure, sources at the hospital said. The surgery was carried out at the Army’s Research and Referral (R&R) hospital for removal of a clot in his brain.

“On a visit to the hospital for a separate procedure, I have tested positive for COVID19 today. I request the people who came in contact with me in the last week, to please self isolate and get tested for COVID-19,” he had tweeted earlier on Monday.

Mukherjee is critical and is on ventilator support, the sources said.

At the same time, they said his vital parameters are stable and that the surgery was successful. A multidisciplinary team of doctors is constantly monitoring the health of 84-year-old Mukherjee.

Soon after Mukherjee shared the news, wishes for his speedy recovery started pouring in, including from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party leader Ram Vilas Paswan.

Congress spokesperson and national media in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala also wished the veteran leader a speedy recovery. The party’s official Twitter handle also extended its wishes for his good health.

After a long political career in which he held several top posts including that of Finance and Defence Minister, Mukherjee became President in 2012 and served till 2017. (IANS)

Union minister Piyush Goyal also wished good health for Mukherjee and said he is confident that the former president will quickly recover from the virus.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot too wished Mukherjee a speedy recovery.

“Wishing Sri Pranab Mukherjee a speedy recovery. I am sure he will be out of this sooner than later,” said Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.