Ex-Union minister E Ahamed critical after cardiac arrest

Former Union minister and Indian Union Muslim League leader E Ahamed on Tuesday suffered a cardiac arrest during the President’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament and is in a critical condition.

According to sources at RML hospital, the MP from Kerala’s Mallapuram, is on artificial life support and a team of doctors is closely monitoring his condition.

“The MP had no pulse or heartbeat when he arrived at the hospital. A team of doctors carried out a resuscitation procedure following which his heartbeat returned but his condition is critical and he is currently under close observation of doctors,” a senior doctor said.

Earlier, 78-year-old Ahamed, fell unconscious soon after he took a seat in the rear rows of the Central Hall.

“He arrived a little late. As soon as he sat down, he fell unconscious. Doctors attached with the President who were present there extended emergency help and he was rushed to the hospital,” a senior official of the Lok Sabha Secretariat said.

At around 2.15 pm, he was shifted to the RML trauma centre’s intensive care unit where he was put on ventilator.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inquired about his health.

According to hospital sources, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Union minister Jitendra Singh visited RML hospital to inquire about Ahamed’s condition.

Ahamed had served as Minister of State for External Affairs in the previous United Progressive Alliance government.