Pacemaker expert flown in for Satya Sai Baba

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Doctors treating Sri Satya Sai Baba say his health condition continues to be very critical, though his heart beat and blood pressure were normal on Friday.

“Sai Baba’s blood pressure and heart rate have been stable for the last 12 hours and are supported by necessary drugs.” said Dr Ravi Raj, director of medical education.

A pacemaker specialist was flown in from the United States to assist the panel of doctors treating Sai Baba. The specialist has vetoed the plan to put in a new pacemaker in view of Baba’s critical condition.

“His heart beat and pulse rate is 70/80, which is normal. If it falls below 60 the pacemaker takes over. Yet his overall health condition is critical. In cases like this, it’s difficult to predict the future health condition. We hope for the best,” he said.

He said that Baba would be kept on the ventilator for as long as required. “We provide medicare to any person as long his body accepts it,” he said.

To another question, the doctor repeated what has been said many times before, that it was difficult to predict when Baba would fully recover as he is in a very critical state, but responding slowly to treatment.

“He is on sedation which is required when patients are on ventilator support. Sometimes even critically ill patients recover and walk out of the hospital,” he added.

Dr Ravi Raj clarified again that Baba is on ventilator support for respiration, dialysis support for kidneys, has a pacemaker for his heart condition and is being given drugs o ensure functioning of the liver. The government has put all its departments in Puttaparthi on high alert.