Bhubaneswar, Nov 24 (IANS): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday requested Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda for the continuation of treatment of Jaga and Balia twins at AIIMS, New Delhi.

In a letter to Nadda, the Chief Minister requested to advise the authorities at AIIMS to continue the treatment and care of the craniopagus twins (now separated) at the premier institute till they get fit enough for home care.

Patnaik shot off the letter as the Department of Neurology is pressing to discharge the babies.

"It is learnt that Department of Neurology, AIIMS, New Delhi is pressing to discharge the babies unilaterally against the views of the team of specialists from our state and despite the request of the state government to continue their treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi," said the Chief Minister.

The craniopagus twins hailing from a poor family at Milipada village of Phiringia block in Kandhamal district were taken to the AIIMS in July last year.

The doctors had conducted an extremely rare and difficult surgery last year for separating the twins.

The Chief Minister said the state government has been regularly sending teams of specialists to AIIMS to review their condition.

"Our specialists have opined that the twins are recovering well but have not yet attained stable health condition on account of their being underweight and neurologically impaired. In brief, the twins have not become fit enough for home care," he added.

"While we have adequate health infrastructure available in the state, the same may not be able to respond to the special medical needs and care that the twins demand. Any capacity constraint in their treatment could prove counterproductive to all the serious and committed efforts made by AIIMS, New Delhi till now," said the Chief Minister.