Khaleda’s health stable: Doctors

Doctors say BNP chief Khaleda Zia's health is stable and that she is showing significant improvement in some cases.
"The medical board comprised of specialised physicians has been requesting Begum Zia to undergo better arthritis treatment for the last couple of months. But she is yet to allow doctors to do the treatment," said a press release on Sunday signed by Brig Gen Dr AK Mahbubul Hoque, director of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital.
"Therefore, her improvement in arthritis is not up to expectations," said the media release.
The 74-year-old former prime minister, who is currently serving a 17-year prison sentence for corruption, has been getting treatment at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital since April 1, 2019 under the supervision of the jail authorities.
"She was admitted to hospital with uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, toothache and cough variant asthma. Now her diabetes is under control, dental pain and physical condition has also improved," said the press release.
"In some cases, her heath has improved as expected and other issues are stable," it added.
The media release said Khaleda had knee surgeries in 2009 and 2012. Doctors at BSMMU have advised her to take vaccines, biologics and other modern treatment.
"She is yet to allow the medications," it said.
The BSMMU noted that diabetes, high blood-pressure and some old age complications are not totally curable. But proper and modern treatment can try to control them and keep the patients well.
"The medical board for her treatment is doing that exactly," said the press release.
A five-member medical board, led by Prof Dr Md Zilan Miah Sarker, was formed for the treatment of the former prime minister. On December 17, the board included two specialised physicians — a psychiatrist and a gastroenterologist.
The BSMMU has stated that it is cordially providing Begum Khaleda Zia with treatment as a patient without considering her political or personal identity.