J JayalalithaaChennai: Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa's condition is "extremely grave", a London-based doctor who is assisting doctors at the Apollo Hospitals here said on Monday.
"The situation is extremely grave but I can confirm that everything possible is being done to give her the best chance of surviving (the cardiac arrest)," Richard Beale said in a statement.
The 68-year-old AIADMK leader, admitted to Apollo Hospitals on September 22, suffered cardiac arrest on Sunday evening.
She was put on ECMO and other life support systems. ECMO or extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation is a life support system used for patients with life threatening heart or lung problems.
"This is the most advanced level of support available, and is an approach the best centers internationally would take in this situation," Beale said.
Expressing sadness on hearing about cardiac arrest suffered by Jayalalithaa, Beale said: "My thoughts and prayers are with Madam, her family, her carers, and the people of Tamil Nadu at this very difficult time."
Beale, from the London Bridge Hospital, has been regularly consulted by doctors at the Apollo Hospitals here ever since Jayalalithaa was admitted in September.
Meanwhile, the Apollo Hospitals on Monday said that Jayalalithaa is in a "grave situation" despite the best efforts of doctors.
"Despite our best efforts, our beloved CM remains in a grave situation," Apollo Hospital's Joint Managing Director Sangita Reddy said in a Twitter post.
This comes barely two hours after the Hospital in an official statement had said Jayalalithaa "continues to be very critical."
(With agency inputs)
