Nawaz Sharif’s platelet count drops once again to precariously low level

LAHORE: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s platelet count once again dropped to a precariously low level, on Wednesday.

Nawaz’s platelet count dropped from 29,000 to 7,000. On advice from doctors, the former prime minister has once again been injected with platelets’ units.

Nawaz’s condition is closely being monitored and in order to assist the medical board, one doctor from Karachi and another from Islamabad have been called. 

Nawaz's platelet count had earlier risen to 18,000 after being injected with three mega units

Earlier, the Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) leader was admitted to the hospital on Monday night after his platelet count dropped to a precariously low level, requiring an emergency response.

“The physicians have injected three mega units of platelets to Nawaz Sharif, which gradually hiked the cell count to 18,000,” sources privy to the special medical board had said.

Sources had further claimed that Nawaz’s condition was still not completely out of danger, but he was recovering fast.

Head of the medical board Professor Dr Mahmood Ayyaz earlier told the media that the number of platelets in ex-PM’s body had dropped to 10,000. He said that some of Nawaz’s test results were satisfactory and some were critical.

“The tests with unsatisfactory results were being conducted again,” he said.

Nawaz was rushed to Services Hospital from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore detention centre Monday night after his health condition suddenly deteriorated. Earlier, he was shifted from Central Jail Kot Lakhpat to NAB Lahore building at Thokar Niaz Beg after the Bureau got his 14-day physical remand on October 11 in connection with the Chaudhry Sugar Mills corruption case investigation.

Read also: Nawaz Sharif's blood test results not satisfactory: Services Hospital Principal

NAB Lahore had also got shifted the medical facilities/services, being provided to him at Central Jail, to its cell in Lahore. NAB had been directed to produce the PML-N leader in court on Oct 25, 2019.

Earlier, the Punjab government had constituted a six-member special medical board comprising Professor Ayyaz, as convener, and with members including Prof Dr Kamran Khalid Cheema, head of Pulmonology SIMS/SHL, Prof Dr M Arif Nadeem, head of Medical Unit-III SIMS/SHL, Prof Dr Faiza Bashir, head of Pathology SIMS/SHL, Dr Khadija Irfan, associate professor/head of Endocrinology SIMS/SHL and Dr Sobia Qazi, associate professor of Infectious Diseases SIMS/SHL, for detailed medical examination/investigation/management of Nawaz Sharif.

Dr Saqib Shafi, professor of Cardiology and head of Punjab Institute of Cardiology, who was not part of the medical board, also examined Nawaz. A haematologist also accompanied him.

Dr Ayyaz has been tasked to ensure foolproof security arrangements and requisite medical examination/investigation/management.

Speaking to The News, Secretary Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education (SHC&ME) Momin Agha said Nawaz Sharif was brought to Services Hospital with a platelets count of 10,000. On Tuesday, the platelets further dropped to 6,000 count and then to 2,000 within a few hours.

Read also: Nawaz Sharif shifted to hospital with low platelet count

When asked if any negligence was suspected in the treatment that led to the sudden drop in platelets count to a dangerous level, he said the medical board had been suspecting dengue fever and platelets transfusion in such a condition was not recommended. Besides, he said, also it takes some time in preparation of platelets.

When dengue test showed negative results, he said, the platelets were injected, which improved his condition. “The platelets count has improved up to over 24,000 till Tuesday evening,” he said, adding that doctors would again examine the patient Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif visited his elder brother Nawaz in hospital on Tuesday. “I am gravely concerned and worried on his fast deteriorating health condition,” he said and warned the government to shun apathy and attend to his serious health issues. “Thank God, the bleeding did not occur from his mouth or nose,” he added.

He also called for an inquiry into the sudden drop in his platelets count and delay in provision of treatment facilities to him. He also appealed to the nation to pray for Nawaz’s health.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has also issued directions for provision of the best medical care for the former prime minister. 

Originally published in The News