KEM hospital nurse continues to be in critical condition

Aruna, who had been in a vegetative state for the last 42 years since her rape in KEM hospital in 1973, continues to be in the ICU. (Photo: Express Archives)

Aruna Shanbaug continues to be under close observation at civic-run KEM hospital’s medical intensive care unit (MICU) for the fourth day after she was diagnosed with pneumonia infection earlier this week.

The KEM nurse has been in a vegetative state for the last 42 years at the hospital’s special room sanctioned for her under the care of the staff nurses near Ward No 4 on ground floor.

Last year, she had contracted another bout of pneumonia following which she was admitted to the ICU facility.

Dr Avinash Supe, hospital’s dean, said, “She is critical but stable. Her condition has improved slightly after ICU admission. A team of doctors is looking after her.”

According to him, she contracted the infection earlier this week and a series of tests were conducted on her. Currently, she being fed through tubes, the doctor added.

The former 67-year-old KEM nurse was sexually assaulted by the hospital’s ward boy in 1973 when she was a junior nurse. Following the rape, she entered a state of coma and has been in a vegetative state since then. She has been give a separate room from other patients and receives free care from the hospital staff since 1973.

Source:: Indian Express