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Kumaramangalam in a coma

Union Power Minister P Rangarajan Kumaramangalam slipped into a coma on Tuesday evening after his circulatory system failed. He was put on a respirator at the intensive care unit of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, AIIMS medical Superintendent Dr R K Sharma said on Wednesday.

Dr Sharma said the minister had suffered multiple organ failure.

Hospital sources said he is not responding to treatment so far. "His is on assisted ventilation. His blood pressure and urinary output are low. He has serious scepticemia," they said.

Patients with multiple organ failure have a slim chance of recovery, the sources said.

At least ten heads of different departments at the hospital are closely monitoring his condition.

Union Health Minister Dr C P Thakur, who visited AIIMS, is also personally monitoring his ministerial colleague's treatment.

The power minister, 48, who has been suffering from chronic fever for the past couple of months, was admitted to AIIMS at the weekend for routine tests, Dr Sharma said.

Various investigations such as a CT-scan and bone marrow tests were carried out and the minister was alright till Tuesday morning.

He was moved to the ICU after he had diahorrea and vomiting. He was put on a respirator immediately.

Several leaders including Vice-President Krishan Kant, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Home Minister L K Advani, Communications Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, Defence Minister George Fernandes, Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha, Lok Sabha Speaker G M C Balayogi and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman K C Pant visited the institute to inquire about Kumaramangalam's health.

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