Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was admitted late on Thursday night at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai with “fever and dehydration”.
A medical bulletin released by the hospital on Friday afternoon stated that the Chief Minister no longer has a fever and is on a normal diet. They, however, added that she is under observation.
Following her admission, Chennai police swung into action, securing the perimeter around the private hospital in the wee hours of Friday. Roads leading to the hospital, including Greames Road and Rutland Gate were barricaded by the traffic police.
Patients, visitors, doctors and staff had to alight at Greames Road or Rutland Gate and walk to the hospital, where security personnel belonging to the Chief Minister checked for identification before allowing them. While the main gates were sealed by police, senior citizens were being wheeled into the private hospital from outside the hospital premises. Only ambulances were allowed access through the main gates.
Sources say Health Minister Dr Vijaya Bhaskar, Health Secretary Radhakrishnan and Finance Minister O Pannerselvam were allowed into the hospital.
Cabinet ministers including D Jayakumar, Mafoi Pandiarajan and V Saroja as well senior party leaders such as V Maitreyan, Valarmathi, CS Saraswathi waited outside the hospital for news of their leader.
AIADMK party workers also made a beeline to the hospital, offering their prayers and wishes for their leader’s speedy recovery.
Sources in Chief Minister's office say that it was unclear when she would get discharged.