Former West Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharya admitted to hospital

The ex-Chief Minister tested negative for COVID-19.  

An official press bulletin released by the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) said: "Former Chief Minister of West Bengal, desaturated at home with SpO2 @ 70 % , and became unconscious, he was immediately shifted to Woodlands Hospital and admitted in Critical care department under Dr Kaushik Chakraborty Consultant Physician and Dr Soutik Panda Consultant Critical Care."

"He remains critical but responding to current treatment," the party said.

Meanwhile, veteran party leader Surjya Kanta Mishra also confirmed the development and tweeted: "Comrade Buddhadeb Bhattacharya has been admitted for treatment of acute exacerbation of his respiratory problems in Woodland. No visitor is being allowed now.Well-wishers are requested to co-operate with the hospital authority for maintaining strict discipline in this regard."

West Bengal Chief Minister  Mamata Banerjee expressed her concern and tweeted: "Concerned to hear that former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has been hospitalised with breathing problems. Praying for his speedy recovery and wishing him well."

Doctors are attending on the veteran CPI-M leader at the hospital's 'flu clinic', Woodlands Hospital sources told UNI news agency.

"We are treating him. Necessary tests are being conducted at our flu clinic, following which we will decide on whether he requires hospitalisation," an official of the private hospital said.  

Bhattacharya remained the Chief Minister from 2001 to 2011 until his party was voted out of power by the Trinamool Congress.