Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, who has been admitted to hospital following a cardiac arrest, is “steadily improving but not out of danger”, say doctors at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital.
“Quader blinked his eyes when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was visiting him and opened his eyes when President Md Abdul Hamid was visiting, said BSMMU Vice Chancellor Kanak Kanti Barua during a media call at the hospital on Sunday (Mar 3) evening.
Barua said, “Quader is responding. He had an angiogram and a stent has been used to remove his heart blockage. Blood circulation through artery has resumed. He will take time to recover the repercussion injury.”
The Awami League leader would be observed for the next 24 to 72 hours, he added.
Replying to a query, Barua said, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told us that the ailing minister will be taken abroad for better treatment with the consent of the physicians.”
Asked about the arrival of a Singapore medical team, the BSMMU VC said, “It’ll be monitored by the Prime Minister’s Office. We’ll allow him to take him to Singapore if we see there is adequate equipments and expertise.”
The Awami League had previously announced that it was making preparations to take Quader to Singapore for medical care.
Doctors, however, said it was too soon to say he was out of danger and that his condition allowed him to be moved or transferred to another hospital, especially abroad.
Briefing the details on the minster’s health, Head of BSMMU’s Cardiology department Prof Syed Ali Ahsan said, “The family informed us after Quader suffered a cardiac arrest at around 3:30am.
“A doctor went to his house and brought the minister to the hospital. After initial treatment, he was admitted to the Cardiology’s intensive care unit,” he said.
Ahsan said, “As Quader’s condition deteriorated during Electro Cardio Graphy (ECG), doctors decided for an angiogram and found three blockages with critical condition.
“A stent has been used to remove a blockage. His condition improved two hours after the procedure. Later, his blood pressure fell and he went in a critical condition,” he said
Ahsan said, “If Quader’s condition remains stable we’ll go for therapy or bypass surgery. But it will take time.”
“Condition of patients, like Quader improve as well as deteriorate suddenly too,” said cardiologist Asit Baran, a member of the doctors' panel formed for the Cabinet member's treatment.
Quader was admitted to the Coronary Care Unit of BSMMU at 7:30 am on Sunday after he complained of breathing problems. Awami League leaders rushed to the spot upon hearing the news.
Doctors said earlier in the day, he has three arterial blocks, one of which has been cleared. However, he is being ventilated to help him with breathing.
Later in the afternoon, Prime Minister Hasina, President Hamid, and Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury visited Quader at the hospital.

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