After 17 days of intensive medical observation, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is likely to go to her son Tarique Rahman’s residence on Friday evening, as she may be discharged from the London Clinic, UK.
Khaleda’s personal physician Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said this while talking to reporters on Thursday night (London time).
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“If everything goes well and the reports come in as expected... Inshallah, there is a possibility of Madam (Khaleda) being discharged from the hospital. The doctors here are yet to provide a discharge clearance, as some additional tests are being conducted today… she might be discharged this evening,” he said.
Even after discharge, Zahid said, the BNP chief will remain under the care of Professors John Patrick Kennedy and Jennifer Cross as they are overseeing her treatment in consultation with her medical board.
“She (Khaleda) will be provided treatment following the UK’s medical protocols,” he said.
Khaleda was admitted to the London Clinic on January 8 right after she arrived in the UK aboard a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar. Since then, she has been receiving treatment at the hospital under the supervision of a medical board, led by liver specialist Professor John Patrick Kennedy.
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The 79-year-old BNP chairperson has been suffering from multiple health issues, including liver cirrhosis, kidney, heart, diabetes and arthritis-related complications.
Asked about her current health condition, Dr Zahid said the BNP chairperson is generally feeling much better now, but no final decision has been made regarding the liver transplant.
He said it is important to consider her age and the severity of her liver disease, along with other health complications, before making such a major decision regarding the liver transplant.
During her time in prison, the physician said she was deprived of the necessary medical care and left isolated.
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“Had she been brought abroad earlier she might have recovered quicker. The doctors are saying that earlier intervention could have led to different outcomes,” he said.
Dr Zahid said the doctors at the London Clinic and the experts from Johns Hopkins University are largely in agreement on continuing her treatment focusing on managing her various ailments with medication.
He also said some of the test results are still pending and some samples have been sent for further analysis. “Based on these results, a decision will be made regarding her future course of treatment."
During her stay at Tarique’s residence, Zahid said the medical board will continue to monitor her health closely and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.
He said Khaleda and her family, including BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, have requested the people of Bangladesh to pray for her speedy recovery.