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What Has Gone Wrong?

Nobody knows exactly what happened to Prime Minister Bhattarai

By KESHAB POUDEL

Will Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai walk normally again? "Why not," argue his close associates whose fate depends upon the health of Prime Minister Bhattarai.

As 76-year old Bhattarai lay on bed whole of the last week, citizens of the country were in confusion regarding his health condition.

Prime Minister Bhattarai's health problem is not a new one as he has been seen walking with the support of his security guards since he assumed office in June, 1999.

Only after speculations and rumors started to spread like wild fire did the news about his health was disclosed (on Friday) by his press advisor.

Bhattarai : Graceful Retirement?

"Prime Minister is in good health. He has been taking rest because of back pain," said Dr. Dhruba Sharma, former member of parliament and close associate of Bhattarai. "The health check-up has shown that Bhattarai does not have any major health complications," said Dr. Sharma, also a medical surgeon.

Orthopaedist say that the symptoms exhibited by the Prime Minister shows he may be suffering from Lumber Spondylosis. One of the symptoms of this disease is low mobility. Any patient suffering from this disease cannot walk properly.

Recurrent back pains could be a symptom of Ankylosind Spondylosis. This disease makes a patient difficult to stand erect, say medical experts.

Additionally, Bhattarai may also be suffering from knee arthritis or rheumatism - a disease causing pain and swelling in one or more joints of the body (Osteoarthritis of the Knee), said experts.

Prime Minister is now taking physiotherapy. This treatment is referred to increase flexibility of the body. Other treatment recommended to Prime Minister is flexibility extension exercise.

Prime Minister's physicians also seem to be concentrating on pain killing exercises, said a medical practitioner. To kill the pain, Bhattarai is taking ultra sound therapy and hot-bag.

"Such diseases are not unheard of in old age. Physiotherapy is the best way to cure him," said one senior orthopaedic surgeon on condition of anonymity.

"Prime Minister Bhattarai's present health problem is a simple one and there is nothing to worry about," said Dr. Sharma.

Although Bhattarai has had knee problem for a long time, he was rushed to B&B Hospital on 17th of February, Monday after he complained of severe pain. Renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Ashok Banskota and physician Dr. Madhu Ghimire are now taking care of Prime Minister Bhattarai.

Some of Prime Minister Bhattarai's old colleagues also remind the possibility of cardiac problems as he had a mild heart attack in 1977.

One of the problems with Bhattarai is that he never cared much about his health. It was only few years back that he started to take care of his health.

As Bhattarai's physical fitness is a question of political survival for many Congress members, his health has become their concern.

After recent problems Prime Minister is said to have consented to take regular orthopaedic check-up. "He should follow regular exercise and take medicines," said a physician.

As Prime Minister is now taking physiotherapy along with Depomedrol injection (steroid), it may take some time for the medicines to act.

Sooner the Prime Minister Bhattarai recovers from his current disease, better for the politics of the country particularly his political associates.