AIIMS team met Jaya 9 times: Sasi’s counsel

he doctors were part of a team of experts who were consulted on the treatment provided to Jayalalithaa. Pulmonologist Dr GC Khilnani, cardiologist Dr Nitish Naik and anaesthetist Dr Anjan Trikha arrived in Chennai and presented themselves for the inquiry on August 23 and 24 at Kalas Mahal.

Speaking to reporters after the cross-examination of three specialists from AIIMS, who were consulted on the treatment during Jayalalithaa’s hospitalisation, Raja Senthoor Pandian said that his camp had pushed for the summons to be sent to the doctors at AIIMS. 

He added that the doctors said that they assessed Jayalalithaa nine times over the course of the treatment and recommended tracheostomy procedure. They also added that Jayalalithaa was conscious and greeting them on their arrival and capable of following verbal commands. The doctors said that they were satisfied with the facilities at Apollo Hospitals that were on a par with AIIMS. 

The team of doctors is also said to have told the Commission that over the course of the treatment Jayalalithaa suffered a setback but then showed signs of improvement. When they visited her on December 3, 2016, she did not require any immediate medical attention. They added that they stand by the treatment and the documents they have provided in support of it.  The doctors also said that senior party members O Panneerselvam, Thambidurai and Vijay Baskar were present during the briefings on the health condition of Jayalalithaa. 

Pandian stated that the lawyers of the Commission have often failed to present relevant evidence to bring out the facts.