Delhi rape victim showing 'signs of severe organ failure'

The condition of the 23-year-old Delhi gang-rape victim, admitted in a super-speciality hospital in Singapore, has taken a "turn for the worse" with signs of severe organ failure, said doctors on Friday night.

"As of 9 pm (6:30 PM IST), the patient's condition has taken a turn for the worse. Her vital signs are deteriorating with signs of severe organ failure," Dr Kelvin Loh, chief executive officer, Mount Elizabeth Hospital said in a statement.

"This is despite doctors fighting for her life including putting her on maximum artificial ventilation support, optimal antibiotic doses as well as stimulants which maximise her body's capability to fight infections," the CEO said.

"Her family members have been informed that her condition has deteriorated and they are currently by her side to encourage and comfort her," he added.

The statement said the hospital's medical team continues to "provide all possible treatment and care", to the victim, who was air-dashed from the Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi for specialised treatment. He said the High Commission of India is with her and her family at this critical time.

The girl was gang-raped and brutally assaulted in a moving bus on December 16, triggering massive protests across India and prompting the government to airlift her to the leading multi-organ transplant speciality hospital. She had undergone three surgeries at the Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, where she remained on ventilator support during most part of the treatment. Doctors removed major part of her intestines, which had become gangrenous.

Earlier in the day, the security was tightened at the hospital, favoured by well-heeled patients, with each visitor screened before being allowed into the Intensive Care Unit.

The victim's father, who flew in with her, said he was reassured that the best is being done for his daughter. The High Commission of India has assigned a liaison officer with the family.

The girl was shifted to the hospital in Singapore following what the Indian government said a "purely a medical decision" taken by doctors.