Goa: Ailing Manohar Parrikar put under observation, is stable
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was admitted to Goa Medical College Hospital late on Saturday night, and his office has confirmed he is stable now. Parrikar, who has been battling pancreatic cancer, was admitted to GMCH for upper GI endoscopy. The 63-year-old minister has been suffering from the disease for a year. He will be kept under observation for 48 hours, the CMO revealed.
Parrikar met party functionaries on Saturday
According to reports, Parrikar's health deteriorated on Friday night and he was paid a visit by a team of doctors at his private residence in Panaji. He has been recuperating at his home. On Saturday, he held brief meetings with government and party functionaries. Minister Vijay Sardesai, who met him, said his health isn't as bad as "it is made out to be".
Goa minister says Parrikar is a fighter
Health minister Vishwajit Rane who met Parrikar at the hospital informed he will return to his home on Monday. He has been kept at an isolated ward, Rane said. "The chief minister is a fighter. He told me to go home. He is under observation. There is nothing to worry about or speculate. He is absolutely fine," Rane told media.
A brief history of Parrikar's health
Parrikar's health has been in news for months now. On February 20, 2018, he presented the state budget and on March 3, flew to the US for treatment. The former union defense minister returned on June 14, 2018. After attending the monsoon session of legislative assembly last year, he went to the US again for a check-up on August 10. In September, he was briefly treated at AIIMS Delhi.
Parrikar inspected a bridge, photo went viral
Since falling ill, Parrikar has restricted his public appearances. However, in December last year, a photo of him inspecting a half-constructed bridge on Mandovi river evoked several reactions. Parrikar fulfilled his duties with a tube in his nose and many opined he should be given rest. But there were others who praised his grit and determination to work even when suffering from the disease.
Parrikar's "josh" is high
Notably, Parrikar also presented the state budget on January 30 in the same condition. Supported by his cabinet ministers, he presented the budget in a soft voice, taking breaks and occasionally sipping water. Another video of Parrikar which went viral recently was him mouthing the popular dialogue of Uri. As Parrikar asked, "How's the josh?" he showed no illness can bring him down.
