On Saturday morning Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will undergo coronary artery bypass heart surgery. The 76 year old leader has been admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) today at noon. 18 years ago he had bypass surgery in UK in 1990 and an angioplasty 6 years ago. He has a history of heart ailments and has been complaining of fatigue and signs of chest pain in recent days.
A team of 11 doctors will be led by Dr P K Panda, reputed cardiac surgeon, will perform the surgery. Earlier this week Dr Manmohan Singh underwent extensive medical tests at AIIMS. Multiple arterial blockages were reported.
This is the first time that PM will not be present in the Republic Day parade. All the activity of PM will be taken charge of by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee. He will take the dual charge, Finance Ministry as well as PMO till Dr Singh returns back to South Block.
The ceremonial duties at the Amar Jawan Jyoti on 26th of January is expected to be done by Vice President Hamid Ansari.
The news of surgery set off speculation in political circles about how fit he will be after he comeback for the high office and also for the election campaign for Lok Sabha due before May.
