Staff Reporter :
BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia had been suffering from prolonged rheumatoid arthritis along with diabetes, the medical board, which was formed to conduct her medical check up, said on Monday.
“Khaleda Zia is now suffering from several ailments including arthritis and diabetes,” MA Jalil Chowdhury, Head of the five-member Medical Board, which was formed following the court order, told reporters at a media briefing, held at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
He said the main health problem of Khaleda Zia is rheumatoid arthritis or pain in different bone joints and she is also suffering from hypertension and other health complications.
“Due to prolonged rheumatoid arthritis, deformity develops in her left hand, her left shoulder becomes frozen. Her left hip joint and the knees are suffering from arthritis. As she suffers from diabetes, he has painful urination,” said Dr Jalil.
He said the Medical Board members are scheduled to examine Khaleda Zia on Monday night. Upon her consent, we may collect samples of her blood and urine for test.”
Apart from these, X-ray is required for starting her treatment,” Dr Jalil said adding, “It will take at least two weeks to begin her main course of treatment. It will depend on the conditions of her major organs like heart, liver and kidney.
He further said they will examine her overall health condition and the process is on.
Dr Jalil said the previous treatment she was receiving will continue alongside physiotherapy.
Responding to a query, he said the Board Members have already gone through the High Court verdict on Khaleda Zia’s treatment and there are no anomalies in upholding the court directives. The High Court on Thursday directed the government to immediately admit Khaleda Zia to the BSMMU and form a 5-member Medical Board afresh for her treatment.
Khaleda Zia was admitted to the BSMMU on Saturday afternoon after prison authorities shifted her there from old Dhaka Central Jail for better treatment in response to the court order.
