Deshmukh continues to be stable; PM briefed

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was on Thursday briefed about the condition of his ailing cabinet colleague Vilasrao Deshmukh, stated to be stable at a hospital in Chennai where he is undergoing treatment for serious liver illness.

Deshmukh's son Amit Deshmukh, a member of Maharashtra Assembly, briefed the prime minister about the treatment being extended to the 67-year old science and technology minister at the Global Hospitals, sources in the hospital said.

"He is stable," the sources said declining to reveal any further information about Deshmukh, who was admitted to the hospital in critical condition on Monday evening and counties to be under observation.

Deshmukh was brought here in an air ambulance for a possible liver transplant but the doctors have made it clear that his condition has to improve before any decision could be taken on such a course.

Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah, state Health Minister V S Vijay and former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh were among those who visited the hospital to inquire about the health of the former Maharashtra chief minister.

Singh told reporters that Deshmukh's family members told him that his condition was far better than it was in Mumbai where he underwent a brief treatment at the Breach Candy hospital.

"I think he will get fine," Singh said.

A team of doctors of several specialties, including noted liver transplant surgeon Dr Mohamed Rela, are treating Deshmukh, who is on life-support systems.