Bengali screen goddess Suchitra Sen’s condition deteriorated Saturday afternoon, prompting medics to rush emergency measures that stabilised her, a doctor said.
By the evening, the 82-year-old actress–under treatment at the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) of a nursing home here–was responding to non-intensive ventilation and other therapies, with her oxygen level going up.
Sen’s oxygen saturation level had dipped in the afternoon, necessitating intensive non-invasive oxygen support and endotracheal intubation.
“Because of cough accumulation in the neck area, we resorted to emergency procedures like the endo-tracheal tube [a tube inserted through the mouth to ensure free air passage]. She has responded to the therapies and is now stable,” said Subrata Maitra, one of the team of experts monitoring her at the Belle Vue Clinic.
Sen’s see-sawing health status had fans speculating about her being put on life support. However, the doctors scotched rumours.
She remains critical. Her blood tests are satisfactory and her vital organs are fine, said a doctor. However, her doctors ruled out any invasive ventilation (via tracheotomy) therapy for now.
“She is weak and needs oxygen support. She does not need life support,” said Abhirup Chakraborty, another doctor from the team.
