Chennai, Aug 8 (IANS): Union Science and Technology Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, admitted to Global Hospital here, continues to be critical, a hospital official said Wednesday.

The minister's family members would give an update on his health condition through the social media Facebook and Twitter, the official added.

"Deshmukh's condition continues to be critical like it was yesterday (Tuesday). While his family has refused permission to us to issue a medical bulletin, they have said that the health condition would be announced through social media in due course of time," the official told IANS on condition of anonymity.

Deshmukh, 67, is on ventilator and his condition continues to be critical, the official added.

Officials at Global Hospital said Deshmukh had a serious liver ailment and the option of a transplant would be looked at after his condition stabilises.

Liver specialist Mohammed Rela is attending to the former Maharashtra chief minister.

Deshmukh was brought to the hospital here Monday evening from Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai in an air ambulance.

From the Chennai airport, he was brought to Global Hospital. Deshmukh's family members are with him.

Deshmukh, who had been complaining of abdominal pain for a while, was taken to Breach Candy Hospital last week for what was described as a routine check-up.

For the last few months, Deshmukh has been taking light assignments to avoid strain on account of his health condition, a Congress official said.