Sai Baba’s condition deteriorates

HYDERABAD: Authorities Wednesday sent additional police force to Puttaparthi town in Andhra Pradesh as the condition of spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba deteriorated.

Sai Baba, seen as the incarnation of god by his devotees, continues to be critical, his doctors said Wednesday evening.  His blood pressure is low and the heart beat has slowed down, indicating deterioration in his vital health parameters, the doctors said.  According to the doctors attending on him at the Sathya Sai super speciality hospital, jaundice had affected the functioning of Sai Baba’s liver.

The condition of liver and intermittent episodes of low blood pressure are still causing anxiety to the treating doctors, said a medical bulletin.

Hospital director A.N. Safya said Sai Baba continued to be on assisted ventilation to help his lungs and on CRRT (continuous renal replacement therapy) to assist his kidneys functioning.  The panel of doctors has been reinforced with a government of Andhra Pradesh team under the guidance of the Director of Medical Education, Ravi Raj, an eminent nephrologist, said the statement.

A leading electrophysiology specialist from the US has also joined the team of doctors treating Sai Baba.

The state administration has gone on alert following deterioration in Sai Baba’s condition.

Additional police were rushed to Puttaparthi in Anantapur District for deployment in the town, especially around the hospital.  Director General of Police Aravind Rao told reporters in Kurnool that Sai Baba’s condition was critical.

The 85-year-old was admitted to hospital 28 March with breathing and heart problems. The doctors later said he was suffering from multi-organ dysfunction. (IANS)