From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Sep 3: "I am fortunate to have been blessed with a third life," remarked former JD(S) chief minister H D Kumaraswamy after being discharged from the hospital on Sunday and advised everyone never to neglect their health.

The JD(S) leader, who was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Jayanagar five days ago after suffering a mild stroke, spoke to media persons on the hospital grounds after being discharged, following a full recovery. He expressed gratitude for the blessings and prayers of his parents, family, timely medical help from doctors, and the well-wishes and prayers from his admirers and party workers across the state.

"Nobody should neglect their health or ignore health problems. Everyone should immediately seek medical advice and treatment as soon as they experience health issues," he emphasized.

Detailing his critical health condition five days ago when he was at his farmhouse in Bidadi, Kumaraswamy explained that he developed health complications after midnight and was fortunate to have his personal assistant Satish with him.

"Immediately, our family doctor Dr. C. N. Manjunath was contacted, and on his advice, Dr. Satish Chandra of Apollo Hospital was called. I was immediately rushed to Apollo Hospital from the Bidadi farmhouse within 20 minutes," he said. He also pointed out that he wouldn't have been able to speak fluently if there had been any delay.

"Luckily, with timely medical assistance, care, and the prayers of everybody, I have recovered," he said.

The JD(S) leader stressed that health problems are inevitable for everyone and all families. "Whether one is rich or poor, everyone should take care of their health. I have been lucky to have survived my third attack, and therefore, this is my third life," he declared.

Kumaraswamy revealed that he had already undergone two heart surgeries and any delay in receiving immediate medical treatment would have incapacitated him for at least another four months.

He recalled that he had become chief minister twice after undergoing two heart surgeries.

Kumaraswamy mentioned that he had been watching a TV program on Valmiki Jayanti titled "Kumaraswamy plunged Karnataka into darkness," which caused him tension and exerted undue pressure on his heart.

Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil, who also spoke at the occasion, thanked the doctors and medical staff of Apollo Hospital. He expressed that the good deeds done by his parents and family had resulted in prayers from well-wishers all over the state. Nikhil appealed to his father, emphasizing that he was the property of the state, and people loved him. "Therefore, please take care of your health," he said.

Dr Satish Chandra, Neuro Surgeon at Apollo Hospital, pointed out that paralysis was a common problem but stressed the importance of seeking immediate medical help within the golden hour to ensure immediate recovery. Any problems or difficulties in the movement of hands or eyes must be reported to expert doctors, and patients should reach hospitals within the golden hour, Dr Chandra advised. He also stressed the necessity of regularly monitoring and controlling blood pressure and diabetes to avoid the dangers of stroke and paralysis.

Hospital vice president Dr Govindayya and doctors who treated Kumaraswamy, such as Dr Chinmanya Nagesh, Dr Anirudh Vilas Kulkarni, Dr Rashmi Devaraj, MLA B N Ravikumar, and former MLA K T Srikantegowda were present.