COVID-19 positive Tarun Gogoi given plasma after sudden drop in oxygen level

Guwahati: Amid a rise in the number of "serious" coronavirus positive cases in Assam, former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who had earlier tested positive for coronavirus, was given plasma therapy after a "sudden drop in oxygen level" on Monday night.

Gogoi, who represents the Titabor assembly constituency in Jorhat district, was admitted to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) after testing positive for the dreaded virus.

Assam's health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, informing about the development on Twitter, said: "Ex CM @tarun_gogoi who is admitted in GMCH for Covid 19 had a sudden fall in Oxygen saturation to 88% at 11.30 pm. The team of Doctors supervising his health immediately decided to give 1 unit of plasma with 2 lits of oxygen on Mask.O2 saturation now is maintained between 96 to 97%."

Talking to media persons, Sarma said that Gogoi's oxygen level had dipped to around 88, but it is rising back up again, thanks to medical intervention. "He got plasma at a very early stage, so I am of the opinion that he will recover; although his condition had deteriorated somewhat, it would be a stretch to say that he is critical," Sarma said, adding that a team is on standby for the former CM should he need any more support.

Sarma said he was with Tarun Gogoi at the GMCH after reaching the hospital to take stock of the situation. "I was there with Sri @tarun_gogoi in the hospital and just reached back home as I have assembly tomorrow. Also had a telephonic conversation with @GauravGogoiAsm. I shall remain in touch with our team at @GMCHGuwahati," Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote in another tweet.

"I am gradually recovering at Guwahati Medical College Hospital. I am thankful to Health Minister Dr H B Sharma for visiting me yesterday. My sincere thanks to all for their good wishes for my Speedy recovery," Gogoi wrote in a tweet, a day after Himanta Biswa Sarma had visited him wearing personal protective equipment.

Last week, Tarun Gogoi took to Twitter to inform that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The veteran Congress leader urged all those who came in contact with him recently to get tested.

"I have been tested Covid-19 positive yesterday. People who came in contact with me during the last few days should go for Covid test immediately," Tarun Gogoi said. According to the Congress party, Gogoi's wife Dolly had tested negative for the virus.

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