Quader won’t be taken to Singapore now: BSMMU
Vice-chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Prof Dr Kanak Kanti Barua on Sunday night said the condition of ailing minister Obaidul Quader has improved, and so, decision over taking him to Singapore will be taken on Monday morning.
"A three-member team of physicians came here from Singapore by an air ambulance. Our medical board sat with them and talked to them. We all have decided that he (Quader) won't be sent to Singapore today," Kanak Kanti said while briefing reporters at the BSMMU around 9:30pm, reports UNB.
He said Quader's condition is now much better than at noon. "He has opened his eyes and is trying to talk to others. He won't be sent to Singapore in this condition. We'll observe his condition till tomorrow (Monday) morning and he will be sent to Singapore then, if necessary."
The three-member medical team was flown in from Singapore for checking Quader who was admitted to the BSMMU in the morning with cardiac problems.
The medical team from Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital entered the BSMMU around 7:45pm, said its Director (Hospital) Brig Gen Abdullah Al Harun.
Awami League presidium member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim also said Quader is not being sent to Singapore for now. "Doctors said he needs to fly for four hours for taking him to Singapore. There're no adequate ICU facilities at an air ambulance. So, we'll examine his physical condition keeping him here (BSMMU) till 10am tomorrow (Monday)."
He also said Quader's condition has improved. "He's opened his eyes and is moving. We'll keep the air ambulance here till 10am tomorrow."
Obaidul Quader, road transport and bridges minister and general secretary of Awami League, was admitted to the CCU of the hospital in the morning following his breathing complications.
Later, doctors found three blockages in his coronary artery following an angiogram.
In the afternoon, physicians at BSMMU said Quader's health condition is improving slightly but is not stable yet. "We're optimistic about the recovery of Obaidul Quader but he's not out of danger. It's a matter of time," said BSMMU Cardiology department Chairman Prof Syed Ali Ahsan while speaking at a press briefing at the BSMMU.
"Quader is blinking his eyes and trying to talk to others. If his condition remains stable, we'll go for a bypass surgery. He's now in critical condition," he said at the briefing.
BSMMU VC Prof Dr Kanak Kanti Barua said, "Quader is responding to others."
Replying to a question, Dr Kanak Kanti said, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told us that the ailing minister will be taken abroad for better treatment with the consent of the physicians."
He also said they would allow taking him to Singapore if they see there is adequate manpower and expertise in the medical team that come from Singapore.
BSMMU Director (Hospital) Brig Gen Abdullah Al Harun and some other physicians of the hospital were present at the press briefing.
Earlier, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited him at the hospital.
Senior Public Relation Officer Abu Naser of Roads and Highways Division said Obaidul Quader complained of chest pain after Fazr prayers. He was then taken to the BSMMU.
Quader's personal secretary Gautam Chandra said the minister was admitted to the CCU of the hospital around 8:30am.
He said a medical board, led by BSMMU Vice-chancellor Prof Kanak Kanti Barua, was formed for the treatment of the minister.
