Summary of News
- CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli’s health condition is stable, with doctors indicating he is fit to be discharged soon.
- Although gallstones were detected in Oli’s gallbladder, immediate surgery is not required; doctors advise deciding based on risk assessment.
- Former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka is hospitalized at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital with a stable condition, hospital sources confirmed.
March 29, Kathmandu – CPN-UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s health remains stable, according to the medical team overseeing his treatment.
Admitted since Saturday morning, doctors have stated that Oli can potentially be discharged soon. “All medical reports have come back normal, and after discussions, the medical team agrees he is fit for discharge,” said one of the attending doctors.
Following complaints of heart issues reported Saturday morning, doctors conducted further tests. On Sunday, Oli was fitted with a Holter monitor to observe his heart rhythm over a 24 to 48 hour period. The device’s reports confirmed that his heart rate is normal.
Despite some urinary tract infection indicators, Oli showed no overt symptoms. As a precaution, cultures were taken to confirm the infection. “Some bacteria were detected in the urinalysis; however, there are no significant symptoms,” the doctor explained, “so a urine culture was performed for further confirmation.”
An X-ray on Saturday revealed the presence of gallstones in Oli’s gallbladder, but immediate surgery is not deemed necessary. A team of gastro surgeons advised that operating now could pose risks.
Given Oli’s history of two kidney transplants, his age, and heart condition, doctors consider surgery risky at this time.
“It is not urgent to remove the gallstones immediately,” said one doctor involved in the treatment. “Since the condition is not seriously impacting his health, waiting for an appropriate time to operate is the better option.”
However, Oli himself has expressed a preference to have the gallstones removed to resolve the issue.
“He has mentioned that since the stones are increasing, it would be best to remove them surgically,” the doctor added. “But the decision will be based on a careful assessment of potential risks.”
Hospital sources indicate that given Oli’s improving condition, discharge is likely soon.
“Looking at the current situation, he does not need to be hospitalized for much longer,” said another physician. “After one or two days of monitoring, he can be safely discharged.”
Oli was brought to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital by police following his arrest Saturday morning for a health checkup. Initial assessment was conducted in the emergency ward, where he reported heart palpitations.
Subsequently, he was admitted to bed number 501 in Annex-1 for further evaluation.
During the people’s movement of mid-September, when Oli was Prime Minister and Ramesh Lekhak was Home Minister, a commission led by former Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki investigated the events and found both Oli and Lekhak responsible, recommending a criminal probe for possible loss of life.
Based on this report, the government arrested Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Saturday morning. Kathmandu District Court granted a five-day extension to custody. While Lekhak is being held and investigated at Nepal Police’s Maharajgunj unit no. 2, Oli remains hospitalized for health reasons.
Former Minister Deepak Khadka Admitted with Stomach Issues
Former Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, and Congress leader Deepak Khadka has also been admitted to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. The Anti-Money Laundering Investigation Department arrested him on Sunday in connection with assets seized from his home during the September 24 people’s movement protest. The court authorized seven days of detention for investigation.
On the night of admission, Khadka developed high blood pressure and diarrhea and was initially taken to Norvic Hospital. Due to lack of available beds there, he was referred to Tribhuvan Teaching Hospital at 3 a.m.
Hospital sources reported that Khadka was admitted to bed number 1029. He is under observation due to diarrhea and vomiting.
Initial tests showed that Khadka’s blood pressure is under control, and symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting are subsiding.
A hospital source stated, “His current health status is normal, medical reports are stable, and there is no need for prolonged hospitalization.”
Blood tests revealed a slight infection, indicated by an elevated leukocyte count. “His leukocyte count was around 17,000 at Norvic Hospital, now approximately 13,000 at the Teaching Hospital,” a doctor explained.
Doctors note that a leukocyte count above 11,000 is indicative of infection. Khadka is currently receiving antibiotic treatment.
